Poems, 1799 by Robert Southey
page 11 of 147 (07%)
page 11 of 147 (07%)
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Didst lead him to the battle from his home,
Else living there in peace to good old age: In thy defence he died: strike deep! destroy Remorse with Life." The Maid stood motionless, And, wistless what she did, with trembling hand Received the dagger. Starting then, she cried, "Avaunt DESPAIR! Eternal Wisdom deals Or peace to man, or misery, for his good Alike design'd; and shall the Creature cry, Why hast thou done this? and with impious pride Destroy the life God gave?" The Fiend rejoin'd, "And thou dost deem it impious to destroy The life God gave? What, Maiden, is the lot Assigned to mortal man? born but to drag, Thro' life's long pilgrimage, the wearying load Of being; care corroded at the heart; Assail'd by all the numerous train of ills That flesh inherits; till at length worn out, This is his consummation!--think again! What, Maiden, canst thou hope from lengthen'd life But lengthen'd sorrow? If protracted long, Till on the bed of death thy feeble limbs Outstretch their languid length, oh think what thoughts, What agonizing woes, in that dread hour, Assail the sinking heart! slow beats the pulse, Dim grows the eye, and clammy drops bedew The shuddering frame; then in its mightiest force, Mightiest in impotence, the love of life |
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