THE NOBLE'S GRAVE
Reading edition
(After Sion Cent, 1386-1420, priest of Kentchurch, in Hereford)
Premier Peer but yesterday, Lone within the tomb to-morrow; For his silken garments gay, Grave-clothes in a gravelled furrow. No love-making, homage none; From his mines no golden mintage; No rich traffic in the sun; No more purple-purling vintage. No more usherings out of Hall By obsequious attendant; No more part, however small, In the Pageant's pomp resplendent! Just a perch of churchyard clay All the soil he now possesses; Heavily its burthen grey On his pulseless bosom presses.
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