Sonnets
41
IMMORTALITY
I
As it hath been, it shall be evermore.
The shadow of the dawning future creeps
Across the drowsy dial-face, and sweeps
The graven numbers marked and told before
By old forgotten hours. So ever o'er
The paths of yesterday to-morrow keeps
A slow insistent course, and evening reaps
Eternity on every sunset shore.
From slumber into slumber all things go;
Our yesterday is dawned from infinite
Oblivion; to-morrow's fading light
Shall darken to that misted morn, and lo!
No terror clothes the oblivion we know.
Breathe deep the gloaming of death's second night.
