Death Be Not Proud

John Donne, 1572-1631AD. These words always bring tears. This is one of the most powerful poems ever written.

Death Be Not Proud, though some though some have called thee mighty and dreadfull, for thou art not soe,
For, those, whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill mee.
From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures bee,
Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow
And soonest our best men with thee dost goe,
Rest of their bodies , and soules deliverie,
Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings and desperate men,
And dost with poison, warre and sickness dwell,
And poppie or charmes can make us sleepe as well,
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; death thou shalt die.