Death’s Sweet Sleep

O’ death’s sweet sleep hath to thine eyes been too
soon urged. That life owed you a fairer debt
and weeping sentiment more lengthy due,
apparently this truth be questioned yet;
for lurking where men’s mortal minds could see,
disguised in tears whose eyes did sorrow show,
untouched their hearts were so no shallow screen
could hide untruthful word, unhallowed woe.
But should thy flaunted mem’ry fail to make
all men aware their friends like flesh do fade,
then should thy trusted thoughts of truth forsake,
and unto earth their fate so gravely made.
     More hope in love that hopes it can forgive,
     than hope in reason gives a love to live.