Classic Poem

Paraphrase on John 21.17.

Yes, thou that knowest all, dost know I love thee,
And that I set no Idol up above thee,
To thy unerring censure I appael,
And thou that knowest all things, sure canst tell,
I Love thee more than Life or Interest,
Nor hast thou any Rival in my Breast;
I Love thee so, that I would calmly bear
The Mocks of Fools, and bless my happy Ear
Let me from thee but one kind whisper hear;
I Love thee so, that for a smile of thine,
Might this, and all the brighter Worlds be mine,
I would not pause, but with a noble Scorn,
At the unequal slighted offer spurn;
Yes, I to Fools these trifles can resign,
Nor envy them the World, whilst thou art mine;
I love thee as my Centre, and can find
No Point but thee to stay my doubtful mind;
Potent and uncontroul'd its Motions were,
Till fixt in thee its only congruous Sphere.
Urg'd with a thousand specious Baits, I stood,
Displeas'd, and sighing for some distant good,
To calm its genuine Dictates — but betwixt
Them all, remain'd suspended and unfixt.
I love thee so, 'tis more than Death to be,
My Life, my Love, my all, depriv'd of thee;
'Tis Hell, 'tis Horror, shades and darkness then,
Till thou unveil'st thy Heavenly Face agen;
I Love thee so, I'de kiss the Dart should free
My flutterring Soul, and send her up to thee;
O would'st thou break her Chain, with what delight
She'd spread her Wings, and bid the world goodnight.
Scarce for my bright conductors would I stay,
But lead thy flaming Ministers the way,
In their known passage to eternal day.
And yet the Climes of Light would not seem fair,
Unless I met my bright Redeemer there;
Unless I saw my Shining Saviours Face,
And cop't all Heaven in his sweet embrace.