Classic and Contemporary Poetry
PRAISE, by HENRY VAUGHAN Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: King of comforts! King of life! Last Line: That one poor blossom. Alternate Author Name(s): Silurist | ||||||||
King of comforts! King of life! Thou hast cheered me, And when fears and doubts were rife, Thou hast cleared me! Not a nook in all my breast But thou fill'st it, Not a thought, that breaks my rest, But thou kill'st it; Wherefore with my utmost strength I will praise thee, And as thou giv'st line and length, I will raise thee; Day and night, not once a day I will bless thee, And my soul in new array I will dress thee; Not one minute in the year But I'll mind thee, As my seal and bracelet here I will bind thee; In thy word, as if in heaven I will rest me, And thy promise till made even There shall feast me. Then, thy sayings all my life They shall please me, And thy bloody wounds and strife They will ease me; With thy groans my daily breath I will measure, And my life hid in thy death I will treasure. Though then thou art Past thought of heart All perfect fullness, And canst no whit Access admit From dust and dullness; Yet to thy name (As not the same With thy bright Essence) Our foul, clay hands At thy commands Bring praise and incense; If then, dread Lord, When to thy board Thy wretch comes begging, He hath a flower Or (to his pow'r) Some such poor off' ring; When thou hast made Thy beggar glad, And filled his bosom, Let him (though poor) Strow at thy door That one poor blossom. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest... |
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