Like an Organ-pipe profound,
Rolled the thunder's distant sound;
Methought I felt its deep Voice say,
" See how the mighty pass away!"
Then I prayed, and, while, the sound,
Of that pealing note instilled
My being with the awe it filled,
I knelt reverently on
The monumental brass that shone
With a glimmering fain, to show
That a Soul reposed below
In darkness with the worm beneath.
With hushed breath, and still as death,
I leaned upon the chancel-stone;
And thought how all forgot, unknown,
Were the mighty who slept there,
Their souls in heaven, their fame in air.