Classic Poem

WHEREIN DEATH, IN ONE INSTANT, STRUCK AND STRIPPED HIM

Love opened up a tranquil anchorage
From turmoil and from tempest, promising
The silver years thoughts with a steadier wing,
Thoughts purged and proud with virtuous equipage.
She saw my true heart cleansed for heritage
Of its high faith, unclouded, comforting;
Ah, vicious Death, how quick wert thou to fling
Into gray dust the fruit of a long age!
The time had surely brought more life at length
When in her pure ear I should close confide
The ancient music of my heart's dear strength;
And she, perhaps, had presently replied,
Moaning some sacred words, while garlanded
With silver on my breast sank her dear head.