Great God, I too am cursed;
A destiny from birth,
Of all dread fates the worst,
Drives me unrestful, flings
Me from my Eden bliss,
Over a barren earth,
To impious search for things
Whose heart is an abyss.
I too am one that clings.
In lust for a knowledge kiss,
Upon my knees.
V
Great God, I've given o'er
My paradise of ease,
Allowed my soul to soar
To mysteries high or deep
At the world's core;
Oh, quench its ardent thirst,
Its hunger, God, appease:--
Or if Thou dost ignore
The soul that Thou hast nursed,
Then smite me as I leap,
And let Thy rages roar
On me as in the first
That fell on sulphur seas.
Yea, down Hell's sliffy steep
Thy molten lightnings pour
Till darkness be immersed;
Yet know I will not creep
Though all Thy thunders burst
In penalties.