Come now, O Death,
While I am proud,
While joy and awe are breath,
And heart beats loud!
While all around me stand
Men that I love,
The wind blares aloud, the grand
Sun wheels above.
Naked I stand to-day
Before my doom,
Welcome what comes my way,
Whatever come.
What is there more to ask
Than that I have?—
Companions, love, a task,
And a deep grave!
Come then, Eternity,
If thou my lot;
Having been thus, I cannot be
As if I had not.
Naked I wait my doom!
Earth enough shroud!
Death, in thy narrow room
Man can lie proud!