The Death of the Poor

 It is Death that consoles—yea, and causes our lives;

'Tis the goal of this Life—and of Hope the sole ray,

Which like a strong potion enlivens and gives

Us the strength to plod¹ on to the end of the day.

 

And all through the tempest, the frost and the snows,

'Tis the shimmering² light on our black sky-line;

'Tis the famous inn which the guide-book shows,

Whereat one can eat, and sleep, and recline;

 

'Tis an angel that holds in his magic hands

The sleep, which ecstatic dream commands,

Who remakes up the beds of the naked and poor;

 

'Tis the fame of the gods, 'tis the granary blest,

'Tis the purse of the poor, and his birth-place of rest,

To the unknown Heavens, 'tis the wide-open door.

The End

1 plod   

v.沉重缓慢地走，孜孜地工作

参考例句：

• He was destined to plod the path of toil.他注定要在艰辛的道路上跋涉。
• I could recognize his plod anywhere.我能在任何地方辨认出他的沉重脚步声。

2 shimmering   

v.闪闪发光，发微光( shimmer的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• The sea was shimmering in the sunlight. 阳光下海水波光闪烁。
• The colours are delicate and shimmering. 这些颜色柔和且闪烁微光。 来自辞典例句