Ere the birth of my life, if I wished it or no
No question was asked me--it could not be so!
If the life was the question, a thing sent to try
And to live on be YES; what can NO be? to die.
NATURE'S ANSWER
Is't returned, as 'twas sent? Is't no worse for the wear?
Think first, what you ARE! Call to mind what you WERE!
I gave you innocence, I gave you hope,
Gave health, and genius, and an ample scope,
Return you me guilt, lethargy, despair?
Make out the invent'ry; inspect, compare!
Then die—if die you dare!
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Called to question...
Oh, how I wish I had read these words years ago. It is important to consider the real reasoning, if there can be such a thing, behind a suicide. I like the questions Coleridge poses here, and his directive, "make out the invent'ry; inspect, compare! Then die-if you dare!" I suppose it would be difficult indeed for someone wishing for death to truly be clearheaded enough to follow this action, but Coleridge states it with such passion...I expect some would try. I notice with particular satisfaction he makes Nature answer, not God. Appeals to me somehow...
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