Songs of Innocence and of Experience (1826)/Songs of Experience/To Tirzah

Whate'er is Born of Mortal birth Must 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 tears Didst 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?