John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
John Donne
In this sonnet, Donne asks himself if he is right with God. He finds comfort in meditation on the merciful face of Jesus.
What if this present were the worlds last night?
Marke in my heart, O Soule, where thou dost dwell,
The picture of Christ crucified, and tell
Whether that countenance can thee affright,
Teares in his eyes quench the amazing light,
Blood fills his frownes, which from his pierc'd head fell.
And can that tongue adjudge thee unto hell,
Which pray'd forgiveness for his foes fierce spight?
No, no; but as in my idolatrie
I said to all my profane mistresses,
Beauty, of pitty, foulnesse onely is
A sign of rigour: so I say to thee,
To wicked sprites are horrid shapes assign'd,
This beauteous forme assures a pitious minde.