Death's Equality

by W. Brailsford.

Originally published in Douglas Jerrold's Shilling Magazine (Punch) vol.4 #23 (1846).

                Moonlight on all! still and inseparate,
                The lucid rays diffuse their gentle glow
                Where Death dominion holds, and where his mate,
                The sinuous worm, has revelry below.
                Moonlight on all! no ray apart to shine
                O'er sculptured sepulchre, or storied worth;
                No single beam to mark the flattering line,
                Or show the record of the poor man's birth.
                Turf-laden and distinct, each simple mound
                That tells the peasant's lowly place of rest
                The silvery softness feels,—'tis hallow'd ground,
                Where tomb and grave alike by Heaven are blest.
                Moonlight on all! the world for once forgot--
                Equality is here a common lot.