Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WHAT SHALL IT PROFIT? by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS

First Line: IF I LAY WASTE, AND WITHER UP WITH DOUBT
Last Line: WHAT DO I GAIN BY THAT I HAVE UNDONE?
Subject(s): FAITH; BELIEF; CREED;
IF I lay waste and wither up with doubt
The blessed fields of heaven where once my faith
Possessed itself serenely safe from death;
If I deny the things past finding out;
Or if I orphan my own soul of One
That seemed a Father, and make void the place
Within me where He dwelt in power and grace,
What do I gain by that I have undone?



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