A Hymn to God the Father
A Hymn to God the Father
Original Text
John Donne, Poems, by J. D. With elegies on the authors death (M. F. for J. Marriot, 1633). MICF no. 556 ROBA. Facs. edn. Menston: Scolar Press, 1969. PR 2245 A2 1633A. STC 7045.
2 Which was my sin, though it were done before?
3Wilt thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
4 And do run still, though still I do deplore?
6 For I have more.
7Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have won
8 Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
9Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun
10 A year or two, but wallow'd in, a score?
11 When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
12 For I have more.
13I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
14 My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
15But swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son
16 Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore;
17 And, having done that, thou hast done;
18 I fear no more.
Notes
1] According to Izaak Walton, written during a dangerous illness of 1623. Back to Line
5] thou hast not done: here and elsewhere a pun on his name. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1633
RPO poem Editors
N. J. Endicott
RPO Edition
3RP 1.194.
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