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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: THE PRIEST'S PRAYER by CONSTANCE CAROLINE WOODHILL NADEN

First Line: HAVE PITY, LORD! LET ME NOT DIE ALONE!
Last Line: LET ME DRINK HEMLOCK, IF IT SLAKE MY THIRST!
Subject(s): CLERGY; FAITH; PRIESTS; RABBIS; MINISTERS; BISHOPS; BELIEF; CREED;

HAVE pity, Lord! Let me not die alone!
Though once I dared my fellow-souls to shrive,
I am unclean; with pangs of death I strive.
Alas, what healing balm to me was known
For every heart that made its fevered moan!
But now that I am sick, who shall revive
My hopeless faith, or save my soul alive,
Since that elixir fails, which was mine own?

Spirit of God, Who dwellest e'en in me,
Who speakest even by this doubtful breath,
Whether for good or ill Thou set me free,
Withhold not Truth, although its price be Death:
I faint, I die, in scorching plains accurst,
Let me drink hemlock, if it slake my thirst!





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