To Tirzah
Songs of Innocence and of Experience, 1794
Whate'er is Born of Mortal birthMust be consumèd with the Earth,To rise from Generation free:Then what have I to do with thee?
The Sexes sprung from Shame and Pride,Blow'd in the morn; in evening died;But Mercy changed Death into Sleep;The Sexes rose to work & weep.
Thou, Mother of my Mortal part,With cruelty didst mould my Heart,And with false self-deceiving tearsDidst bind my Nostrils, Eyes, & Ears,
Didst close my Tongue in senseless clay,And me to Mortal Life betray.The Death of Jesus set me free:Then what have I to do with thee?