O ask not frigid Piety to dwell

O ask not frigid Piety to dwell
In the same house with Youth and warm Desire;
It were as idle as if one should tell
Water to be a comrade of the Fire.

O say not only that the Loved One left
My lonely heart, and fled beyond recall;
But I of rest and patience am bereft,
And losing Her I am deprived of all.

Take heed, O Hunter, though within thy net
Thou hold this bird, my soul, with many bands,
I struggle sore, for Freedom lures me yet,
And may escape from out thy cruel hands.