“The creeks they are a-rising”—so
That we might the torrential flow
Escape—for which we have prepared--
’Tis best now to pick up and go.
Those as delay may not be spared:
Whiles we must face the future scared,
’Tis better that we live to face
Than die before not having dared.
In our retreat lies no disgrace:
’Tis pity that the human race
Has made a horror from a joy,
Or values satin so and lace--
’Tis but the trappings of a toy
It seeks to harbor, ploy by ploy,
As we yet hasten forward, though
Demise spring swift or linger coy.