Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE MATCH, by HENRY VAUGHAN



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE MATCH, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dear friend! Whose holy, ever-living lines
Last Line: Through thy increase grow new and quick.
Alternate Author Name(s): Silurist


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 Deed,
There from no duties to be freed,
And if hereafter youth, or folly 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 lifes 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 that in this!
To thee therefore my Thoughts, Words, Actions
I do resign,
Thy will in all be done, not mine.
Settle my house, 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 grain which here in tears I sow
Though dead and sick,
Through thy increase grow new and quick.





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