IT IS NOT DEATH TO DIE.
Reading edition
It is not death to die— To leave this weary road, And, 'mid the brotherhood on high, To be at home with God. It is not death to close The eye long dimmed by tears, And wake, in glorious repose To spend eternal years. It is not death to bear The wrench that sets us free From dungeon chain,—to breathe the air Of boundless liberty. It is not death to fling Aside this sinful dust, And rise, on strong exulting wing, To live among the just. Jesus, thou Prince of life! Thy chosen cannot die; Like thee, they conquer in the strife, To reign with thee on high. —Bethune.