Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HOLY SONNET: 19 by JOHN DONNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: OH, TO VEX ME, CONTRARIES MEET IN ONE!
Last Line: THOSE ARE MY BEST DAYS, WHEN I SHAKE WITH FEAR.
Subject(s): CHRISTIANITY;

Oh, to vex me, contraries meet in one:
Inconstancy unnaturally hath begot
A constant habit; that when I would not
I change in vows, and in devotion.
As humorous is my contrition
As my profane love, and as soon forgot
As riddlingly distempered, cold and hot,
As praying, as mute; as infinite, as none.
I durst not view heaven yesterday; and today
In prayers, and flattering speeches I court God:
Tomorrow I quake with true fear of his rod.
So my devout fits come and go away
Like a fantastic ague: save that here
Those are my best days, when I shake with fear.



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