October 5, 2012

“Quem Metui Moritura”

What need have I to fear–so soon to die?

Let me work on, not watch and wait in dread:

What will it matter, when that I am dead

That they bore hate or love that near me lie?

’Tis but a lifetime, and the end is nigh

At best or worst. Let me lift up my head

And firmly, as with inner courage, tread

Mine own appointed way on mandates high.

Pain could but bring from all its evil store,

The close of pain: hate’s venom could but kill;

Repulse, defeat, desertion, could no more,

Let me have lived my life, not cowered until

The unhindered and unchastened hour was here.

So soon–what is there now for me to fear?

- Edward Rowland Sill

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