To Everlasting Oblivion

Thou mighty gulf, insatiate cormorant

Deride me not, thought I seem petulant

To fall into thy chops. Let others pray

For ever their fair poems flourish may.

But as for me, hungry oblivion

Devour me quick, accept my orison

My earnest prayers

Which do importune thee,

With gloomy shade of thy still empery,

My earnest prayers

Which do importune thee,

To vail both me and my poesy

Far worthier lines in silence of thy state

Do sleep securely free from love or hate,

From which this living near can be exempt

But whilst it breathes

will hate and fury tempt

Then close his eyes

with thy all-dimming hand,

Which not right actions can withstand (2x)

Peace, hateful tongues

I now in silent pace

Unless some hounds

do wake me from my place

Then close his eyes

with thy all-dimming hand,

Which not right actions can withstand (2x)

I with this sharp, yet well meant poesy

Will sleep secure, right free from injury

I with this sharp, yet well meant poesy

Of cankered hate, or rankest villainy