Before Sedan

Here is this leafy place Quiet he lies, Cold, with his sightless face Turn'd to the skies: 'Tis but another dead: All you can say is said. Carry his body hence ! Kings must have slaves: Kings climb to eminence Over men's graves: So this man's eye is dim; --- Throw the earth over him ! What was the white you touch'd, There, at his side? Paper his hand had clutch'd Tight ere he died: Message or wish, may be: Smooth the folds out and see ! Hardly the worst of us Here could have smiled ! Only the tremulous Words of a child: Prattle that has for stops Just a few ruddy drops. Look ! --- 'She is sad to miss, Morning and night, His ( her dead father's ) kiss; Tries to be bright, Good to Mamma, and sweet: ' (That is all ) --- 'Marguerite.' Ah ! If beside the dead Slumber'd the pain; Ah ! If the hearts that bled Slept with the slain; If the grief died: --- but no ! Death will not have it so.