O take this world away from me
Its strife I cannot bear to see
Its very praises hurt me more
Than een its coldness did before
Its hollow ways torment me now
And start a cold sweat on my brow
Its noise I cannot bear to hear
Its joy is trouble to my ear
Its ways I cannot bear to see
Its crowds are solitudes to me
O, how I long to be agen
That poor and independent man
With labour's lot from morn to night
And books to read at candle light
That followed labour in the field
From light to dark when toil could yield
Real happiness with little gain
Rich thoughtless health unknown to pain
Though, leaning on my spade to rest
I've thought how richer folks were blest
And knew not quiet was the best
Go with your tauntings, go
Neer think to hurt me so
I'll scoff at your disdain
Cold though the winter blow
When hills are free from snow
It will be spring again.
So go, and fare thee well
Nor think ye'll have to tell
Of wounded hearts from me
Locked up in your hearts cell
Mine still at home doth dwell
In its first liberty
Bees sip not at one flower
Spring comes not with one shower
Nor shines the sun alone
Upon one favoured hour
But with unstinted power
Makes every day his own
And for my freedom's sake
With such I'll pattern take
And rove and revel on
Your gall shall never make
Me honied paths forsake
So prythee get thee gone
And when my toil is blest
And I find a maid possest
Of truth that's not in thee
Like bird that finds its nest
I'll stop and take my rest
And love as she loves me