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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A HYMN TO GOD THE FATHER by JOHN DONNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: WILT THOU FORGIVE THAT SIN WHERE I BEGUN
Last Line: I FEAR NO MORE.
Subject(s): FORGIVENESS; PRAYER; RELIGION; REMORSE; REPENTANCE; CLEMENCY; THEOLOGY; PENITENCE;

I

Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt thou forgive that, through which I run,
And do run still: though still I deplore?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For, I have more.

II

Wilt thou forgive that sin 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?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.

III

I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
But 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 fear no more.



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