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Three Rulers

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<h2>VERSE: THE THREE RULERS</h2> I saw a Ruler take his stand And trample on a mighty land; The People crouched before his beck, His iron heel was on their neck, His name shone bright through blood and pain, His sword flashed back their praise again. I saw another Ruler rise— His words were noble, good, and wise; With the calm sceptre of his pen He ruled the minds and thoughts of men; Some scoffed, some praised—while many heard, Only a few obeyed his word. Another Ruler then I saw— Love and sweet Pity were his law: The greatest and the least had part (Yet most the unhappy) in his heart— The People, in a mighty band, Rose up, and drove him from the land! <h2>VERSE: A DEAD PAST</h2> Spare her at least: look, you have taken from me The Present, and I murmur not, nor moan; The Future too, with all her glorious promise; But do not leave me utterly alone. Spare me the Past—for, see, she cannot harm you, She lies so white and cold, wrapped in her shroud; All, all my own! and, trust me, I will hide her Within my soul, nor speak to her aloud. I folded her soft hands upon her bosom, And strewed my flowers upon her—they still live— Sometimes I like to kiss her closed white eye-lids, And think of all the joy she used to give. Cruel indeed it were to take her from me; She sleeps, she will not wake—no fear—again: And so I laid her, such a gentle burthen, Quietly on my heart to still its pain. I do not think that any smiling Present, Any vague Future, spite of all her charms, Could ever rival her.  You know you laid her, Long years ago, then living, in my arms. Leave her at least—while my tears fall upon her, I dream she smiles, just as she did of yore; As dear as ever to me—nay, it may be, Even dearer still—since I have nothing more. <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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