Lxxii The Choice, Ii

Dante Gabriel Rossetti

     Watch thou and fear; to-morrow thou shalt die.
         Or art thou sure thou shalt have time for death?
         Is not the day which God's word promiseth
     To come man knows not when? In yonder sky
     Now while we speak, the sun speeds forth: can I
         Or thou assure him of his goal? God's breath
         Even at this moment haply quickeneth
     The air to a flame; till spirits, always nigh

     Though screen'd and hid, shall walk the daylight here.
       And dost thou prate of all that man shall do?
           Canst thou, who hast but plagues, presume to be
           Glad in his gladness that comes after thee?
       Will his strength slay thy worm in Hell? Go to:
   Cover thy countenance, and watch, and fear.

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