THOU mighty gulf, insatiate cormorant, <br />Deride me not, though I seem petulant <br />To fall into thy chops. Let others pray <br />Forever their fair poems flourish may. <br />But as for me, hungry Oblivion, <br />Devour me quick. Accept my orison, <br />My earnest prayers which do importune thee, <br />With gloomy shade of thy still empery <br />To veil both me and my rude poesy. <br />Far worthier lines in silence of thy state <br />Do sleep securely, free from love or hate, <br />From which this, living, ne'er can be exempt, <br />But whilst it breathes will hate and fury tempt. <br />Then close his eyes with thy all-dimming hand <br />Which not right glorious actions can withstand. <br />Peace, hateful tongues! I now in silence pace <br />Unless some hound do wake me from my place. <br />I with this sharp yet well-meant poesy <br />Will sleep secure, right free from injury <br />Of canker'd hate or rankest villany.<br /><br />John Marston<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-everlasting-oblivion/
