IX
Reading edition
I WRIT how once I wander’d from thy side, Serving the strong suggestions of my blood, Only to prove from worse things vainly tried How far more precious grew thy sum of good. If I so lov’d thee, what is my defence, That thy dear love fail’d then my steps to stay, That idle hours were idly given to sense, And soul forsaken at the call of clay? O let love grant excuse; my sensual part Dwelt ever far from pure untainted thee; It held no conversation with my heart, Nor, us’d or check’d, could be thine injury. If once it triumph’d, carrying me away, It stole but earth; my soul did with thee stay.
