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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


REST ONLY IN THE GRAVE by JAMES CLARENCE MANGAN

First Line: I RODE TILL I REACHED THE HOUSE OF WEALTH
Last Line: BUT THE ONLY PEACEFUL HOUSE OF ALL

I rode till I reached the House of Wealth -
'Twas filled with Riot and blighted health.


I rode till I reached the House of Love-
'Twas vocal with sighs beneath and above!


I rode till I reached the House of Sin-
There were shrieks and curses without and within.


I rode till I reached the House of Toil-
Its inmates had nothing to bake or boil.


I rode in search of the House of Content
But never could reach it, far as I went!


The House of Quiet, for strong and weak
And Poor and rich, I have still to seek-


That House is narrow, and dark, and small-
But the only Peaceful House of all!




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