Classic Poem

I.

What sudden Damp invades my Heart
O Death ! who can thy Pow'r withstand?
No matter! I embrace the Dart,
Prepar'd , to follow thy Command;
For I have liv'd! each Hour employ'd!
Thou canst not take , what I've enjoy'd .

II.

No! 'twas a false Alarm! he flys,
Amaz'd, we have been found so brave,
His boasted Terrors to despise,
And view, unmov'd, the op'ning Grave.
Go, Tyrant , range the Earth, and make
Base, miserable , Mortals shake!

III.

Visit some gouty Miser 's Bed,
Or guilty Dungeon's vile Retreat,
There thy devouring Rage be fed!
Or end th' Ambition of the Great:
These dread thy Shaft! the Hero knows,
Thou art, at worst, a long Repose .

IV.

Yet we'll not call thee back again,
While Cloi loves , or thus deceives ,
Or while this generous Champagne
So well the Cares of Life relieves .
No! by the Desperate alone
Thou'rt to be wish'd ; but fear'd by none .

V.

But since 'tis Nature 's Law we fall
One day by thy unerring Spear,
Whene'er in earnest thou dost call,
Deign, unexpected to appear,
And mild as Sleep; as quick thy Stroke
As Lightning on the blasted Oak.