(IN BRINGING A SOUL TO THE POINT OF SELF-RENUNCIATION AND ABSOLUTE ACQUIESCENCE) 'TWAS my purpose, on a day, To embark and sail away; As I climbed the vessel's side, Love was sporting in the tide; "Come," he said, "ascend! make haste, "Launch into the boundless waste." Many mariners were there, Having each his separate care; They that rowed us held their eyes Fixed upon the starry skies; Others steered, or turned the sails To receive the shifting gales. Love, with power divine supplied, Suddenly my courage tried; In a moment it was night, Ship and skies were out of sight; On the briny wave I lay, Floating rushes all my stay. Did I with resentment burn At this unexpected turn? Did I wish myself on shore, Never to forsake it more? No:--"My soul," I cried, "be still! "If I must be lost, I will." Next he hastened to convey Both my frail supports away; Seized my rushes; bade the waves Yawn into a thousand graves: Down I went, and sunk as lead, Ocean closing o'er my head. Still, however, life was safe; And I saw him turn and laugh: "Friend," he cried, "adieu! lie low "While the wintry storms shall blow; "When the spring has calmed the main, "You shall rise and float again." Soon I saw him, with dismay, Spread his plumes and soar away; Now I mark his rapid flight, Now he leaves my aching sight; He is gone whom I adore, 'Tis in vain to seek him more. How I trembled then and feared, When my Love had disappeared! "Wilt thou leave me thus," I cried, "Whelmed beneath the rolling tide?" Vain attempt to reach his ear! Love was gone, and would not hear. "Ah! return, and love me still; "See me subject to thy will! "Frown with wrath, or smile with grace "Only let me see thy face! "Evil I have none to fear, "All is good, if Thou art near." Yet he leaves me,--cruel fate! Leaves me in my lost estate! "Have I sinned? Oh say wherein? "Tell me, and forgive my sin! "King and Lord, whom I adore, "Shall I see thy face no more? "Be not angry; I resign, "Henceforth, all my will to thine: "I consent that Thou depart, "Tho' thine absence breaks my heart; "Go then, and for ever too; "All is right that Thou wilt do." This was just what Love intended, He was now no more offended; Soon as I became a child, Love returned to me and smiled; Never strife shall more betide 'Twixt the bridegroom and his bride. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CONSECRATED GROUND; READ AT THE NEW YORK CITY HALL by EDWIN MARKHAM PLAYING SOMEONE ELSE'S PIANO by KAREN SWENSON THE DEIL'S AWA WI' TH' EXCISEMAN by ROBERT BURNS THE BOROUGH: LETTER 22. POOR OF THE BOROUGH. PETER GRIMES by GEORGE CRABBE |