Donne's "Hymn to God the Father"

John Donne couldn't resist punning on his name, and that of his wife (Anne More), even in a deathbed meet-your-maker hymn.

A Hymn to God the Father

Wilt Thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was 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 sins their door?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallow'd in a score?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done;
For I have more.

I have a sin of fear, that when I've spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
But swear by Thyself 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 (1573 - 1631)

Comments

[Jennifer Michael Hecht]

so good. food for the penitent, and for those not long fasting, or not able to make it stick, a fast fast fast. thanks for it.