Would I, that horrors watch behind this mask--
And drunk have I the milk of my own torment
Guilty in a flesh-embroider'd cup--
Now hope to take a precious gift of You
Too blissful to my dry and bloodi'd lips?
My soul a lashing fire doth all erode,
A well-deserved scourge of a sweet vengeance,
This curse too straight from all my slain forgot.
O'er merciful waters bending now am I;
Thy sip alone doth frightful visions banish
And bathe my mind in cool oblivion.
Invoke Thee here, and rest myself in Lethe.