Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By Florence EarleCoates1064 Tennyson
H
How beautiful to die as thou didst die,—
In moonlight of the night, without a sigh,
At rest in all the best that love could give!
The poet’s ardor and the heart of youth,—
To keep to the last sleep the vow of truth,
And leave to lands that grieve a glowing page!
Unbroken by the near approach of death,
To breathe blest prophecies with failing breath,
Soul-bound to beauty in that latest hour!
The master-spirit to thy dreams so dear,—
At last from his immortal lips to hear
The dirge for Imogen, and thee, intoned!
How beautiful to die as thou didst die,—
In moonlight of the night, without a sigh,
At rest in all the best that love could give!