A Hymn to God the Father
Wilt Thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which is my sin, though it were done before'
Wilt Thou forgive that sin through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore'
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin? and made my sin their door'
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallowed in a score'
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.
I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
Swear by Thy self, that at my death Thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now and heretofore;
And, having done that, Thou hast done,
I fear no more.
- John Donne, 1623