I hope when I am dead that I shall lie
— In some deserted grave — I cannot tell you why,
But I should like to sleep in some neglected spot,
— Unknown to every one, by every one forgot.

There lying I should taste with my dead breath
— The utter lack of life, the fullest sense of death;
And I should never hear the note of jealousy or hate,
— The tribute paid by passers-by to tombs of state.

To me would never penetrate the prayers and tears
— That futilely bring torture to dead and dying ears;
There I should lie annihilate and my dead heart would bless
— Oblivion — the shroud and envelope of happiness.