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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CHEERFULNESS by HENRY VAUGHAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: LORD, WITH WHAT COURAGE AND DELIGHT
Last Line: OF HALLELUJAHS HERE BELOW.

Lord, with what courage and delight
I do each thing
When thy least breath sustains my wing!
I shine and move
Like those above,
And (with much gladness
Quitting sadness)
Make me fair days of every night.

2

Affliction thus, mere pleasure is,
And hap what will,
If thou be in't, 'tis welcome still;
But since thy rays
In sunny days
Thou dost thus lend
And freely spend,
Ah! what shall I return for this?

3

O that I were all Soul! that thou
Wouldst make each part
Of this poor, sinful frame pure heart!
Then would I drown
My single one,
And to thy praise
A consort raise
Of @3Hallelujahs@1 here below.



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