“NAY, BID ME NOT MY CARES TO LEAVE”

By William Watson

Nay, bid me not my cares to leave,

Who cannot from their shadow flee.

I do but win a short reprieve,

‘ Scaping to pleasure and to thee.

I may, at best, a moment's grace,

And grant of liberty, obtain;

Respited for a little space,

To go back into bonds again.