Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


VAIN REPENTANCE by PHOEBE CARY

Poet Analysis

First Line: DO WE NOT SAY, FORGIVE US, LORD
Last Line: NOT MY REBELLIOUS WILL, BUT THINE!
Subject(s): REPENTANCE; PENITENCE;

DO we not say, forgive us, Lord,
Oft when too well we understand
Our sorrow is not such as thou
Requirest at the sinner's hand?

Have we not sought thy face in tears,
When our desire hath rather been
Deliverance from the punishment,
Than full deliverance from the sin?

Alas! we mourn because we fain
Would keep the things we should resign:
And pray, because we cannot pray --
Not my rebellious will, but thine!



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