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.
Rhyme: