Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, JUSTICE (2), by GEORGE HERBERT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

JUSTICE (2), by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: O dreadfull justice, what a fright and terrour
Last Line: Against me there is none, but for me much.
Subject(s): Justice


O DREADFULL Justice, what a fright and terrour
Wast thou of old,
When sinne and errour
Did show and shape thy looks to me,
And through their glasse discolour thee!
He that did but look up, was proud and bold.

The dishes of thy balance seem'd to gape,
Like two great pits;
The beam and scape
Did like some tott'ring engine show:
Thy hand above did burn and glow,
Daunting the stoutest hearts, the proudest wits.

But now that Christs pure vail presents the sight,
I see no fears:
Thy hand is white;
Thy scales like buckets, which attend
And interchangeably descend,
Lifting to heaven from this well of tears.

For where before thou still didst call on me,
Now I still touch
And harp on thee.
Gods promises hath made thee mine:
Why should I justice now decline?
Against me there is none, but for me much.





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