The Reprisall

written by


« Reload image

  I have consider'd it, and finde
There is no dealing with Thy mighty passion:
For though I die for thee, I am behinde;
  My sinnes deserve the condemnation.

  O make me innocent, that I
May give a disentangled state and free;
And yet thy wounds still my attempts defie,
  For by thy death I die for thee.

  Ah! was it not enough that thou
By thy eternall glorie didst outgo me?
Couldst thou not grief's sad conquests me allow,
  But in all vict'ries overthrow me?

  Yes by confession will I come
Into thy conquest. Though I can do nought
Against thee, in thee I will overcome
  The man, who once against thee fought.

© George Herbert