"Body, I pray you, let me go!"
(It is a soul that struggles so.)
"Body, I see on yonder height
Dim reflex of a solemn light;
A flame that shineth from the place
Where Beauty walks with naked face;
It is a flame you cannot see--
Lie down, you clod, and set me free.
"Body, I pray you, let me go!"
(It is a soul that striveth so.)
"Body, I hear dim sounds afar
Dripping from some diviner star;
Dim sounds of joyous harmony,
It is my mates that sing, and I
Must drink that song or break my heart--
Body, I pray you, let us part.
"Comrade, your frame is worn and frail,
Your vital powers begin to fail;
I long for life, but you for rest;
Then, Body, let us both be blest.
When you are lying 'neath the dew
I'll come sometimes, and sing to you;
But you will feel no pain nor woe--
Body, I pray you, let me go."
Thus strove a Being. Beauty fain,
He broke his bonds and fled amain.
He fled: the Body lay bereft,
But on its lips a smile was left,
As if that spirit, looking back,
Shouted upon his upward track,
With joyous tone and hurried breath,
Some message that could comfort Death.
--Danske Dandridge.