Death & Dying

The Last Betrayal

by E. Nesbit 1858–1924

From The Rainbow and the Rose (1905)

Death & Dying

AND I shall lie alone at last,
Clear of the stream that ran so fast,
And feel the flower roots in my hair,
And in my hands the roots of trees;
Myself wrapt in the ungrudging peace
That leaves no pain uncovered anywhere.

What--this hope left? this way not barred?
This last best treasure without guard?
This heaven free--no prayers to pay?
Fool--are the Rulers of men asleep?
Thou knowest what tears They bade thee weep,
But, when peace comes, 'tis thou wilt sleep, not They.

✦ ✦ ✦

From The Rainbow and the Rose (1905)

MLA

Nesbit, E. “The Last Betrayal.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/nesbit/190/.

Chicago

Nesbit, E. “The Last Betrayal.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/nesbit/190/.

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