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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HOLY SONNET: 18 by JOHN DONNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: SHOW ME DEAR CHRIST, THY SPOUSE, SO BRIGHT AND CLEAR
Last Line: WHEN SHE IS EMBRACED AND OPEN TO MOST MEN.
Subject(s): ANGLICAN CHURCH; CATHOLICS; PROTESTANTISM; ROMAN CATHOLICS; CATHOLICISM;

Show me dear Christ, thy spouse, so bright and clear.
What, is it she, which on the other shore
Goes richly painted? or which robbed and tore
Laments and mourns in Germany and here?
Sleeps, she a thousand, then peeps up one year?
Is she self truth and errs? now new, now outwore?
Doth she, and did she, and shall she evermore
On one, on seven, or on no hill appear?
Dwells she with us, or like adventuring knights
First travail we seek and then make love?
Betray kind husband thy spouse to our sights,
And let mine amorous soul court thy mild dove,
Who is most true, and pleasing to thee, then
When she is embraced and open to most men.



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