Classic Poem

Mark now, how close they are akin,
The worst man and the best, —
The soul that least is touch'd with sin,
And he that's sinfullest.

From Shakespeare to the dullest knave
That scans the poet's page,
A step, — and lo, the same black grave
Yawns both for fool and sage!

A little life, a little sleep,
A little hunger and thirst,
A little time to laugh and weep,
Unite the best and worst!

Hush then thy pomp and pride, O Man!
But humbly breathe and be, —
The Law that was when life began
Flows on thro' God and thee!