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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TEMPTATION by JOHN HENRY NEWMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: O HOLY LORD, WHO WITH THE CHILDREN THREE
Last Line: NOT FEEL A SECRET JOY, THAT HELL IS NEAR.
Subject(s): TEMPTATION;

O HOLY Lord, who with the Children Three
Didst walk the piercing flame,
Help, in those trial-hours, which, save to Thee
I dare not name;
Nor let these quivering eyes and sickening heart
Crumble to dust beneath the Tempter's dart.

Thou, who didst once Thy life from Mary's breast
Renew from day to day,
Oh, might her smile, severely sweet, but rest
On this frail clay!
Till I am Thine with my whole soul; and fear,
Not feel a secret joy, that Hell is near.



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