Kindness from Hades is it,
Which disposes me unfit
For fellowship with the sky ---
A fixed fount of bitter sigh!
Refrain:
Dole not to me this mercy!
I desire not this kindness!
'Tis not true clemency:
Herein'nt be real blessedness!
Kindness from Hades it is,
Which erect great edifice
That hides Christ from view --
The blocking of that light true!
A kindness, Lucifer-born,
That makes eyes to turn
From things heavenly,
To things earthy and earthly!
Oh Lord of all, Allow to me,
What tenders toward thee;
Let no mercy that breeds pride,
Ever to me come to abide!
Soul-murdering, soul-undoing,
And eternal death-heralding,
Is all mercies that furled
The wings of zeal toward God!
Oh Hades, stop thy appeal,
With thee, a spoke-less wheel;
Thy golden goblet, cups vermin:
I would none of thy tempting din!
Amen!
Ojo'je Ad'eyi