I feel no more the sting of Love today Than does the babe unborn within its breast; If I deceive myself I cannot say, But still I hope all’s settled for the best. Freedom’s worth more than life beneath his sway, Repose is better than to live distressed, For all the time Love held me as his prey I had no pause from pain, nor any rest. And now I live and laugh and sing for joy, And know no more the meaning of annoy, Because I am no longer passion’s thrall. To him that seeks an earthly paradise, Before he starts I offer this advice: He’ll need to be Love’s foe for good and all.