'Mark Now, How Close They Are Akin'

The worst man and the best, —
The soul that least is touch'd with sin,
And he that's sinfullest.
From Shakespeare to the dullest knave

That scans the poet's page,
A step, — and lo, the same black grave
Yawns both for fool and sage!
A little life, a little sleep,

A little hunger and thirst,
A little time to laugh and weep,
Unite the best and worst!
Hush then thy pomp and pride, O Man!

But humbly breathe and be, —
The Law that was when life began
Flows on thro' God and thee!