Edgar Lee Masters (1868–1950). Spoon River Anthology. 1916.

10. Chase Henry

IN life I was the town drunkard;

When I died the priest denied me burial

In holy ground.

The which redounded to my good fortune.

For the Protestants bought this lot,

And buried my body here,

Close to the grave of the banker Nicholas,

And of his wife Priscilla.

Take note, ye prudent and pious souls,

Of the cross-currents in life

Which bring honor to the dead, who lived in shame.