ON LEAVING MY NATIVE LAND

[ZaunköniG]

ON LEAVING MY NATIVE LAND
FOR ENGLAND, MAY, 1833.


Unto the winds and waves I now commit
My body, subject to the will of Heaven;
Its resting-place may be the watery pit
'Tis His alone to take, who life has given.

But, o ye elements ! the deathless soul,
Impalpable, out-soaring time and space,
Submits not to your mightiest control,
Nor meanly dwells in any earthly place.

Ocean may bleach, earth crumble, worms devour,
Beyond identity, its wondrous frame ;
Decay blights not the Spiritual Flower,

Nor age suppresses the ethereal name :
Thus thy dread sting, o Death ! I dare to brave
Thus do I take from thee the victory, o grave !







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