CLXXXIV
Deny it! Go, deny it now, thy love
for all that is thyself and not of earth!
Deny the good that’s granted from above
to you—make what you own a dismal dearth!
It’s this we say as though we might be meek
when giving up all that we think is vain.
Though I’ve seen much more meekness in a week
from selfish men who do not so complain.
If you are God’s, how can your love be foul?
Unless it is corrupted by your hate.
Shout every good you know, and let it howl
through every street, and every sinful state!
The only evil that you could pursue
would be rebellion from what is true.