SONNET
Reading edition
(To H. M.)
Him, the gods, loving, took while life was young.... Say rather (clinging to a wiser creed) God took, and suddenly on wings of speed Bore to the utter quietness far flung Of fields Elysian where the horrid tongue Of battle is not. For He knew his need Better than those who knew him well indeed, Loving him best. Above his grave is rung The death-bell of all things which hurt the sense And vex the mind and plague the soul of man, Tingeing the rainbow colours of his best Dreams drably: and hath cried a voice, “Go hence! Old Angel Time, to weary whom you can, The while my well-beloved child hath rest.”