James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902.
February 4Thomas Carlyle
By London PunchS
Vex the long rest of patriarchal age.
But one step more eternal peace to win,
England’s Philosopher! Old Chelsea’s sage!
Where dwell the deathless spirits of the dead,
Goethe and Schiller, “sovereign souls” will come
To crown with immortelles his honored head.
Cromwell of England, Frederick the Great,
Will lead the grand procession and recast
The roll of genius that he joined so late.
Grand hero—worshipper of years ago?
“Is England true?” they’ll ask him in a breath,
“Faithful to history?” He’ll answer, “No.”
That like black shadows crossed the Commons floor,
Were spared him dying. Whisper not his name,
Shut fast the door! He’s sleeping! Close the door.