University of Virginia Library

1037.

[O what shall I do to retrieve]

Saw ye Him whom my soul loveth? —iii. 3.

O what shall I do to retrieve
The love for a season bestow'd?
'Tis better to die, than to live
Exiled from the presence of God:
With sorrow distracted and doubt,
With palpable horror oppress'd,
The city I wander about,
And seek my repose in His breast.
Ye watchmen of Israel, declare
If ye my Beloved have seen,
And point to that heavenly Fair,
Surpassing the children of men:
My Lover and Lord from above,
Who only can quiet my pain,
Whom only I languish to love,
O where shall I find Him again!

365

The joy and desire of mine eyes,
The end of my sorrow and woe,
My hope, and my heavenly prize,
My height of ambition below,
Once more if He show me His face,
He never again shall depart,
Detain'd in my closest embrace,
Conceal'd in the depth of my heart.