In love's great ocean, whose calm-shelter'd shore
In love’s great ocean, whose calm-shelter’d shore
Must he for ever leave, whose soul is bound
On farthest quest, life’s wonders to explore—
That mightiest flood, all-whelming, torment-toss’d,
Wherein must ev’ry lover’s self be lost
Ere the Belovéd’s lovelier self be found—
Think not, O searcher, in that sea to find
Food for thine earth-born strength & lustful show,
Nor glorious pearl to deck thy worldly mind,
Nor isle of ease; all such doth he forego
Who, recking nought of hurt to pride or limb,
Heark’neth to love’s unchallengeable call:
Yea, who would venture, no help is for him
Save whole surrender; health, strength, life & all.