PLEAD FOR ME

    Oh, thy bright eyes must answer now, When Reason, with a scornful brow, Is mocking at my overthrow¹！ Oh, thy sweet tongue must plead for me And tell why I have chosen thee！

    Stern Reason is to judgment² come, Arrayed in all her forms of gloom： Wilt³ thou, my advocate, be dumb？ No, radiant angel, speak and say, Why I did cast the world away.

    Why I have persevered⁴ to shun⁵ The common paths that others run； And on a strange road journeyed on, Heedless, alike of wealth and power-Of glory's wreath and pleasure's flower.

    These, once, indeed, seemed Beings Divine； And they, perchance, heard vows⁶ of mine, And saw my offerings on their shrine⁷； But careless gifts are seldom prized, And MINE were worthily⁸ despised.

    So, with a ready heart, I swore To seek their altar-stone no more； And gave my spirit to adore Thee, ever-present, phantom⁹ thing—— My slave, my comrade, and my king.

    A slave, because I rule thee still； Incline thee to my changeful will, And make thy influence good or ill： A comrade, for by day and night Thou art my intimate delight,-

    My darling pain that wounds and sears, And wrings¹⁰ a blessing¹¹ out from tears By deadening me to earthly cares； And yet, a king, though Prudence¹² well Have taught thy subject to rebel

    And am I wrong to worship where Faith cannot doubt, nor hope despair, Since my own soul can grant my prayer？ Speak, God of visions, plead for me, And tell why I have chosen thee！