Absent from thee I languish still,
    Then ask me not, when I return?
The straying fool 'twill plainly kill
    To wish all day, all night to mourn.

Dear, from thine arms then let me fly,
    That my fantastic mind may prove
The torments it deserves to try,
    That tears my fixed heart from my love.

When wearied with the world of woe
    To thy safe bosom I retire,
Where love and peace and truth does flow,
    May I contented there expire,

Lest once more wandering from that Heaven,
    I fall on some base heart unblessed;
Faithless to thee, false, unforgiven,
    And lose my everlasting rest.