John Donne(1572–1631)

A Hymn to God the Father

Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,

Which is my sin, though it were done before 3

Wilt thou forgive that sin through which I run,

And do run still, though still I do deplore

W h e n thou hast done, 4 thou hast not done,

For I h a v e m o r e .

Wilt thou forgive that sin by 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

W h e n t h o u h a s d o n e , t h o u h a s t n o t d o n e ,

For I h a v e m o r e .

I h a v e a s i n of fear, t h a t w h e n I h a v e s p u n

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 fear5 no m o r e .

1623?1633