As he that sees a dark and shadie grove, Stayes not, but looks beyond it on the skie; So when I view my sinnes, mine eyes remove More backward still, and to that water flie, Which is above the heav'ns, whose spring and rent Is in my dear Redeemers pierced side. O blessed streams! either ye do prevent And stop our sinnes from growing thick and wide, Or else give tears to drown them, as they grow. In you redemption measures all my time, And spreads the plaister equall to the crime: You taught the book of life my name, that so, Whatever future sinnes should me miscall, Your first acquaintance might discredit all. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...GOING FOR WATER by ROBERT FROST WORK WITHOUT HOPE by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE HERMES OF THE WAYS by HILDA DOOLITTLE LESSER EPISTLES: TO A LADY ON HER PASSION FOR OLD CHINA by JOHN GAY OPPORTUNITY by NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI ON CHLORIS WALKING IN THE SNOW by WILLIAM STRODE |