HYMN IX. The Sinner's Shame and Confusion

So foolish, so absurd am I That nothihg can be more; Was ever such a Monster seen Upon the Earth before?

I dare not look upon the Earth, The Witness of my Sin; My Conscience is a Doom's-day Book, I dare not look within.

Upwards I durst not cast mine Eyes, For there my Judge doth sit: Nor downwards, whence the Smoke does rise From the infernal Pit.

How shall I answer at the Bar Of him who is most pure? I cannot answer for my self, My self I can't endure.

And as my self I can't endure, My self I cannot fly: Thus Fools do sell themselves for Slaves. And what a Slave am I?

My Heart the Seat of folly is, My Life a Life of Sin: Surely I am more brutish far, Than ever Brute hath been.

Is this my Wit? Is this my Way? To make a glorious Name? Are these the Thanks I've paid to Heav'n? Ah, what a Beast I am?

The Crown is fallen from my Head, My royal Robes are gone; Confusion is my only Cloak, And I must put it on.

And whilst I blush, and whilst I bleed, Here will I sit alone: And here I'll lead the Leper's Life, And make my doleful Moan.

I am not worthy of the Earth, Nor worthy of the Air, Nor worthy of the wat'ry Drop, But of the Damned's Fare.

O! How it kills my Heart to think Upon my foolish Ways! Yet this I'll bear and bless the Lord, Because Damnation stays.