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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
HOLY SONNET: 19, by JOHN DONNE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, to vex me, contraries meet in one!
Last Line: Those are my best days, when I shake with fear.
Subject(s): Christianity
First Line: Oh, to vex me, contraries meet in one!
Last Line: Those are my best days, when I shake with fear.
Subject(s): Christianity
Oh, to vex me, contraries meet in one:
Inconstancy unnaturally hath begot
A constant habit; that when I would not
I change in vows, and in devotion.
As humorous is my contrition
As my profane love, and as soon forgot
As riddlingly distempered, cold and hot,
As praying, as mute; as infinite, as none.
I durst not view heaven yesterday; and today
In prayers, and flattering speeches I court God:
Tomorrow I quake with true fear of his rod.
So my devout fits come and go away
Like a fantastic ague: save that here
Those are my best days, when I shake with fear.
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