No limbs been racked, no scaffolds raised;

For him no life was ever shed,

To make the Victor’s pathway red.

And for all time he wears the Crown

Of lasting, limitless renown:

He reigns, whatever Monarchs fall;

His Throne is in the heart of all.

The Secret Drama of Shakespeare’s Sonnets. 1888.

WALT WHITMAN, 1890
(1819-1892)