“Body, I pray you, let me go!”
It is a Soul that struggles so.
“Body, I see on yonder height
Dim reflex of a solemn light;
A light that shineth from the place
Where Beauty walks with naked face:
It is a light you cannot see:—
Lie down, you clod, and set me free.

“Body, I pray you, let me go!”
It is a Soul that striveth so.
“Body, I hear dim sounds afar,
Dripping from some diviner star;
Dim sounds of holy revelry
It is my mates that sing, and I
Must drink that song or break my heart:—
Body, I pray you, let us part.

“Comrade, your frame is worn and frail;
Your vital force begins to fail:
I long for life; but you for rest:
Then, Body, let us both be blest.
When you are lying 'neath the dew
I 'll come, sometimes, and sing to you:
But you will feel nor pain nor woe:—
Body, I pray you, let me go!”

Thus strove a Being. Beauty-fain,
He broke his bonds and fled amain.
He fled: the Body lay bereft,
But on its lips a smile was left,
As if that spirit, looking back,
Shouted upon his upward track,
With joyous tone and hurried breath,
Some message that could comfort Death.