Afterwards (Some day the sun will rise, but I shall rise)

Some day the sun will rise, but I shall riseNo more its warmth and radiance to enjoy,But lie, a cold unconscious sacrificeTo treacherous time's fierce passion to destroy:And shall the world when I am gone proceedAll heedlessly on its accustomed way?Forlorn of me shall it not feel some need,Some presage dim of failure and decay?

Perish such mean and childish thoughts as these!The taper's use is o'er when sinks its light:Gladly shall fall my worn-out energiesInto the bosom of the infinite:Enough for me that for a time I've beenAn actor on so vast and strange a scene!