To everlasting Oblivion M: Medwenitsch / T: John Marston
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, 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 glorious actions can withstand Peace, hateful tongues, I now in silence pace Unless some hound do wake me from my place I with this sharp, yet well meant poesy Will sleep secure, right free from injury Of cankered hate, or rankest villainy