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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE MATCH by HENRY VAUGHAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: DEAR FRIEND! WHOSE HOLY, EVER-LIVING LINES
Last Line: THROUGH THY INCREASE GROW NEW AND QUICK.

Dear friend! whose holy, ever-living lines
Have done much good
To many, and have checked my blood,
My fierce, wild blood that still heaves and inclines,
But is still tamed
By those bright fires which thee inflamed;
Here I join hands, and thrust my stubborn heart
Into thy @3Deed@1,
There from no @3duties@1 to be freed,
And if hereafter @3youth@1, or @3folly@1 thwart
And claim their share,
Here I renounce the pois'nous ware.

ii

Accept, dread Lord, the poor oblation,
It is but poor,
Yet through thy mercies may be more.
O thou! that canst not wish my soul's damnation,
Afford me life,
And save me from all inward strife!
Two @3lifes@1 I hold from thee, my gracious Lord,
Both cost thee dear,
For one, I am thy tenant here;
The other, the true life, in the next world
And endless is,
O let me still mind @3that@1 in @3this@1!
To thee therefore my @3Thoughts@1, @3Words@1, @3Actions@1
I do resign,
Thy will in all be done, not mine.
Settle my @3house@1, and shut out all distractions
That may unknit
My heart, and thee planted in it;
Lord Jesu! thou didst bow thy blessed head
Upon a tree,
O do as much, now unto me!
O hear and heal thy servant! Lord, strike dead
All lusts in me,
Who only wish life to serve thee!
Suffer no more this dust to overflow
And drown my eyes,
But seal, or pin them to thy skies.
And let this @3grain@1 which here in tears I sow
Though @3dead@1 and @3sick@1,
Through thy @3increase@1 grow @3new@1 and @3quick@1.



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