JOHN STERLING, 1839
(1806-1844)
“Shakespeare.”
How little fades from earth when sink to rest
The hours and cares that moved a great man’s breast!
Though nought of all we saw the grave may spare,
His life pervades the world’s impregnate air;
Though Shakespeare’s dust beneath our footsteps lies,
His spirit breathes amid his native skies;
With meaning won from him for ever glows
Each air that England feels, and star it knows;