Page:Poems - Southey (1799) volume 2.djvu/29

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This murdered man; murdered by thee! for thouDidst lead him to the battle from his home,Else living there in peace to good old age:In thy defence he died: strike deep! destroyRemorse with Life."The Maid stood motionless,And, wistless what she did, with trembling handReceived the dagger. Starting then, she cried,"Avaunt Despair! Eternal Wisdom dealsOr peace to man, or misery, for his goodAlike design'd; and shall the Creature cry,Why hast thou done this?" and with impious pride"Destroy the life God gave?"The Fiend rejoin'd,"And thou dost deem it impious to destroyThe life God gave? What, Maiden, is the lotAssigned to mortal man? born but to drag,Thro' life's long pilgrimage, the wearying loadOf being; care corroded at the heart;Assail'd by all the numerous train of ills
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