Classic Poem

Sweeter to me than Life seems sweet at Death,
When the last gradual decrease of breath
Shows that the end is near — Ah, sweeter far
Than the shimmering silv'ry radiance of a star
Is to the chaste white waves so long unwed;
More dear than Heav'n is to the lonely dead,
More sweet than sunshine to the famished flow'r,
Fairer than a rainbow after a sharp shower,
Lovelier to me than Amphion's melodies,
Than rare, fine wine that soothes the soul to ease
Sweeter than all else in the world thou art,
A sacred flow'r hidden in my heart.