| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 475. Mors et Vita |
| | | By Richard Henry Stoddard |
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| “UNDER the roots of the roses, | |
| Down in the dark, rich mould, | |
| The dust of my dear one reposes | |
| Like a spark which night incloses | |
| When the ashes of day are cold.” | 5 |
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| “Under the awful wings | |
| Which brood over land and sea, | |
| And whose shadows nor lift nor flee,— | |
| This is the order of things, | |
| And hath been from of old: | 10 |
| First production, | |
| And last destruction; | |
| So the pendulum swings, | |
| While cradles are rocked and bells are tolled.” | |
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| “Not under the roots of the roses, | 15 |
| But under the luminous wings | |
| Of the King of kings | |
| The soul of my love reposes, | |
| With the light of morn in her eyes, | |
| Where the Vision of Life discloses | 20 |
| Life that sleeps not nor dies.” | |
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| “Under or over the skies | |
| What is it that never dies? | |
| Spirit—if such there be— | |
| Whom no one hath seen nor heard, | 25 |
| We do not acknowledge thee; | |
| For, spoken or written word, | |
| Thou art but a dream, a breath; | |
| Certain is nothing but Death!” | |
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