How Still and Peaceful Is the Grave!

Verse 1

How still and peaceful is the grave! where, life’s vain tumults past, th’ appointed house, by Heav’n’s decree, receives us all at last.

Verse 2

The wicked there from troubling cease; their passions rage no more; and there the weary pilgrim rests from all the toils he bore.

Verse 3

There rest the pris’ners, now releas'd from slav'ry’s sad abode; no more they hear th’ oppressor’s voice, or dread the tyrant’s rod.

Verse 4

There servants, masters, small and great, partake the same repose; and there, in peace, the ashes mix of those who once were foes.

Verse 5

All, levell'd by the hand of Death, lie sleeping in the tomb; till God, in judgment calls them forth, to meet their final doom.