Let me enjoy the earth no less
Because the all-enacting Might
That fashioned forth its loveliness
Had other aims than my delight.

About my path there flits a Fair,
Who throws me not a word or sign;
I'll charm me with her ignoring air,
And laud the lips not meant for mine.

From manuscripts of moving song
Inspired by scenes and dreams unknown
I'll pour out raptures that belong
To others, as they were my own.

And some day hence, towards Paradise
And all its blest - if such should be -
I will lift glad, a far-off eyes,
Though it contain no place for me.

About the headline (FAQ)

First published in Cornhill Magazine and Putnam's Magazine, both in April 1909

Text Authorship:

• by Thomas Hardy (1840 - 1928), "Let me enjoy" [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]

Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):

• by Arnold Atkinson Cooke (1906 - 2005), "Let me enjoy" [baritone and piano], from Country Songs [
   text not verified 
  ]
• by Gerald Finzi (1901 - 1956), "Let me enjoy the Earth", op. 19a no. 1, published 1958 [voice and piano], from Till Earth Outwears, no. 1. [
   text verified 1 time
  ]
• by Ivor Foster , "Let me enjoy", published 1947 [high voice and piano], from Three Songs [
   text not verified 
  ]
• by Donald Waxman (b. 1925), "Let me enjoy", published 1960 [SATB chorus a cappella], from Eight songs : for a cappella chorus from poems of Thomas Hardy, no. 1. [
   text not verified 
  ]

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]

This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 104