Fear No More

Fear no more the heat or the sun

Nor the furious winter’s rages;

Thou thy worldly task hast done,

Home art gone, and taken thy wages:

Golden lads and girls all must,

As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.

Fear no more the frown or the great,

Thou art past the tyrant’s stroke;

Care no more to clothe and eat;

To thee the reed is as the oak:

The scepter, learning physic,must

All follow this, and come to dust.

Fear no more the lightning-flash,

Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone;

Fear not slander, censure rash;

Thou hast finished joy and moan;

All lovers young, all lovers must,

Consign to thee, and come to dust.

(‘Cymbeline’)

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE