The Farewell.
I
Dead be my heart to all below,
To mortal joys and mortal cares;
To sensual bliss that charms us so
Be dark, my eyes, and deaf my ears.
II
Here I renounce my carnate taste
Of the fair fruit that sinners prize:
Their paradise shall never waste
One thought of mine, but to despise.
III
All earthly joys are overweigh'd
With mountains of vexatious care;
And where's the sweet that is not laid
A bait to some destructive snare?
IV
Be gone for ever, mortal things!
Thou mighty mole-hill, earth, farewell!
Angels aspire on lofty wings,
And leave the globe for ants to dwell.
V
Come heav'n, and fill my vast desires,
My soul pursues the sov'reign good:
She was all made of heavenly fires,
Nor can she live on meaner food.