The Collar

I struck the board, and cry'd, No more; I will abroad. What? shall I ever sigh and pine? My lines and life are free; free as the road, Loose as the wind, as large as store.

Shall I be still in suit? have I no harvest but a thorn To let me blood, and not restore What I have lost with cordial fruit? Sure there was wine Before my sighs; there was a string about my heart.

Who drank it? — Doth my Lord? — Come, tell me, if His love Can do without me: He would use me as His horse, He would put fetters on my neck, and use me so: He would tie me to a post, and make me bear His brunt and blows.

No! I will be free: I will be as free as bird, as wind, as wave. I will not serve; I'll make no laws; no bonds shall be upon me; I'll take my pleasure, who shall stop me? I'll cut the collar, and cast it away.

I shall no longer be obedient; I will climb, I will get me out of this dull cage: I'll show them all that I can sing, and dance, and play, and laugh at their strictness; I'll be wise in my own conceits, and know what it is to be happy.

Yet at my back I always hear Time's wingèd chariot hurrying near; and yonder all before us lie Deserts of vast eternity.

But then a voice from heaven did call me, and said, 'Child, why do you vex yourself? Why do you disquiet your thoughts? Why do you rebel? Have I not loved you? Have I not provided for you? Have I not been with you in my patience and long-suffering?'

I was abash'd; I swallowed down my pride; I bow'd my neck, and yielded to the yoke; I took up the collar I had cast away, and found my liberty therein. I went and gladly did my Lord's commands, and served Him in new joy.