#soheartbreaking

Of all affliction taught a lover yet, 'Tis sure the hardest science to forget! How shall I lose the sin, yet keep the sense, And love th'offender, yet detest the offence? How the dear object from the crime remove, Or how distinguish penitence from love? Unequal a task! a passion to resign, For hearts so touch'd, so pierc'd, so lost as mine. E'er such a soul regains its peaceful state, How often it must love, how often hate! How often, hope, despair, resent, regret, Conceal, disdain - do all things but forget. But let heav'n seize it, all at once 'tis fir'd, Not touch'd, but rapt; not waken'd, but inspir'd! Oh come! oh teach me nature to subdue, Renounce my love, my life, myself - and you. Fill my fond heart wih God alone, for he Alone can rival, can succeed to thee. How happy is the blameless Vestal's lot? The world forgetting, by the world forgot. Eternal sun-shine of the spotless mind! Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd.