The poem
When I am dead I will not care Forever more, If sky be radiantly fair Or tempest roar. If my life-hoard in sin be spent, My wife re-wed,-- I'll be so damned indifferent When I am dead.
When I meet up with dusty doom What if I rest In common ditch or marble tomb, If curst or blest? Shall my seed be to wealth or fame, Or gallows led,-- To me it will be all the same When I am dead.
So say for me no pious prayer, Be no tear shed; In nothingness I cannot care, I'll be so dead. I shall not reck of war or peace When I go hence: Lord, let me win sublime release,-- INDIFFERENCE!