Macbush

Act V, Scene 3

A cemetery. Rumour is digging a grave while two soldiers watch.

1ST SOLD.: Has this fellow no feeling of his business,
That he sings at grave-making?

2ND SOLD.: Custom hath made it in him
A property of easiness.

RUMOUR: But age with his stealing steps
Hath clawed me in his clutch,
And slipped me into the ground
As if I had never been such.

1ST SOLD.: That skull had a tongue in it,
And could sing, once. This might be the pate of a politician.

2ND SOLD.: Why may not that be
The skull of a lawyer?

Macbush and aides enter, bearing a coffin draped in a flag.

MACBUSH: Upon a coffin we attend;
And death's dishonorable victory
We with our stately presence glorify.
Friends, Americans, countrymen,
Lend me your ears. I come to bury this soldier,
Not to praise him. I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,
Nor power of speech to stir men's blood.
America, victorious in thy mourning weeds,
Salute the great defender of this Capitol.
Behold the poor remains I bring unto their latest home.
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones.
Sleep in peace, slain in your country's wars!
Adieu, and take thy praise with thee to heaven.
Thy ignomy sleep with thee in the grave.