JAMES GRAHAM, MARQUIS OF MONTROSE 1612–1650
Reading edition
THE VIGIL OF DEATH
Let them bestow on every airth a limb, Then open all my veins, that I may swim To thee, my Maker! in that crimson lake. Then place my parboiled head upon a stake— Scatter my ashes—strew them in the air: Lord! since thou know’st where all these atoms are, I’m hopeful thou’lt recover once my dust, And confident thou’lt raise me with the just.