PETITION FOR AN ABSOLUTE RETREAT. 
Be no tidings thither brought, 

But silent as a midnight thought, 
Where the world may ne’er invade, 
Be those windings and that shade. 
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Give me there (since Heaven has shown 
It was not good to be alone) 
A partner suited to my mind, 
Solitary, pleas’d and kind; 
Who, partially, may something see 
Preferr’d to all the world in me; 
Slighting by my humble side, 
Fame and splendor, wealth and pride. 
When but two the earth possest, 
‘Twas their happiest days and best ; * 
They by bus’ness, nor by wars, 


They by no domestic cares, 
From each other e’er were drawn, 
But in some grove, or flow’ry lawn, 

Spent the swiftly flying time, 

Spent their own and nature’s prime, 
In love; that only passion given 
To perfect man, whilst friends with Heaven. 
Rage and jealousy and hate, 

Transports of his fallen state 
(When by Satan’s wiles betray’d), 
Fly those windings, and that shade! 






