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What avails love when life is so ephemeral? What avails a mortal’s love for the immortal?

Love that is snuffed out by death’s passing blast Love without the pain, the passion that consumes?

A flickering spark I am, aglow for a fleeting glance Flow vain for a flickering spark to chase an eternal flame!

Grant me the bliss of eternal life, O Lord, And mine will be the ecstasy of eternal love.

Give me the pleasure of an everlasting pain An agony that lacerates my soul for ever.