Death

I am the key that parts the gates of Fame;I am the cloak that covers cowering Shame;I am the final goal of every race;I am the storm-tossed spirit's resting-place:

The messenger of sure and swift relief,Welcomed with wailings and reproachful grief;The friend of those that have no friend but me,I break all chains, and set all captives free.

I am the cloud that, when Earth's day is done,An instant veils an unextinguished sun;I am the brooding hush that follows strife,The waking from a dream that Man calls—Life!