A Renunciation

LIKE noon’s fierce sunlight doth the thought of thee
Flood the dim courts and chambers of my heart;
It penetrates the very inmost part
Of the poor house where I hold tenancy.
Alas ! the dwelling once was fair to see,
A goodly bower, adorn’d with love’s dear art,
But now the desolate walls asunder start
And rain sobs round the ruin piteously.

It is no home for thee — this spoil’d, dark place
Holds no fit shelter for a soul like thine:
I have a house-mate, too, whose very face
Would sadden all thy days with horrid fear:
Pass on, my friend, and take thy thoughts from mine —
For Death and I keep house together here.