I will arise, and leave these haggard realms,
The nether fire's breath spots the rusty gra**,
The insatiate hunger of the blight o'erwhelms
The lean year's barren promise. Let me pa**,
O woman, from the hold of hell and thee!
What have I done that thou should'st hold me so?
In Love's name, loosen me and set me free;
If not for love, in pity let me go.
Why should I linger? for the land is bare,
And wings of famine labour up the wind.
Already I have wasted all my share
Of living bread: the husks remain behind,
Husks that the swine do eat. And must I wait,
Weary and famished, fallen and desolate?