John Donne(1572–1631)
Sonnet 18: "Show me, dear Christ, thy spouse so bright and clear"
S h o w m e , dear Christ, thy s p o u s e 6 s o bright a n d clear.
W h a t ! i s i t s h e w h i c h o n t h e o t h e r s h o r e
Goes richly painted or which, robbed and tore,
Laments and mourns in Germany and here
S l e e p s s h e a t h o u s a n d , t h e n p e e p s u p o n e year
I s s h e s e l f - t r u t h , a n d errs n o w n e w , n o w ' o u t w o r e ?
Doth she,'and did she, and shall she evermore
On one, on seven, or on no hill appear 7
Dwells she with us, or like adventuring knights
First travel 8 we to seek, and then make love
Betray, 0 kind husband, thy spouse to our sights,
And let mine amorous soul court thy mild dove, 9
Who is most true and pleasing to thee then
When she's embraced and open to most men. 1
1615?1894