To Tirzah
Whate'er is born of mortal birth Must be consumèd with the earth, To rise from generation free: Then what have I to do with thee? The sexes sprung from shame and pride, Blow'd in the morn; in evening died; But Mercy chang'd death into sleep; The sexes rose to work and weep. Thou, Mother of my mortal part, With cruelty didst mould my heart, And with false self-deceiving tears Didst bind my nostrils, eyes, and ears; Didst close my tongue in senseless clay, And me to mortal life betray: The death of Jesus set me free: Then what have I to do with thee? |