Desiring Her to Burn His Verses

These papers, Chariessa, let thy breath
Condemn; thy hand unto the flames bequeath;
'Tis fit, who gave them life, should give them death.

And whilst in curled flames to Heaven they rise,
Each trembling sheet shall as it upwards flies,
Present itself to thee a sacrifice.

Then when about its native orb it came,
And reach'd the lesser lights o' th' sky, this flame
Contracted to a star should wear thy name.

Or falling down on earth from its bright sphere,
Shall in a diamond's shape its lustre bear,
And trouble (as it did before) thine ear.

But thou wilt cruel even in mercy be,
Unequal in thy justice, who dost free
Things without sense from flames, and yet not Me.