English poem
Holy Sonnet III: O Might Those Sighs And Tears Return Again
by John Donne
O might those sighs and tears return again Into my breast and eyes, which I have spent, That I might in this holy discontent Mourn with some fruit, as I have mourned in vain; In mine Idolatry what showers of rain Mine eyes did waste! what griefs my heart did rent! That sufferance was my sin; now I repent; 'Cause I did suffer I must suffer pain. Th' hydropic drunkard, and night-scouting thief, The itchy lecher, and self-tickling proud Have the remembrance of past joys for relief Of comming ills. To (poor) me is allowed No ease; for long, yet vehement grief hath been Th' effect and cause, the punishment and sin.
More by John Donne
- Hero and Leander
- Heroical Epistle: Sappho to Philaenis
- Holy Sonnet I: Tho Has Made Me
- Holy Sonnet II: As Due By Many Titles I Resign
- Holy Sonnet IV: Oh My Black Soul! Now Art Thou Summoned
- Holy Sonnet IX: If Poisonous Minerals, And If That Tree
- Holy Sonnet V: I Am A Little World Made Cunningly
- Holy Sonnet VI: This Is My Play's Last Scene, Here Heavens Appoint