English poem
Holy Sonnet XIII: What If This Present Were The World's Last Night?
by John Donne
What if this present were the world's last night? Mark in my heart, O soul, where thou dost dwell, The picture of Christ crucified, and tell Whether that countenance can thee affright, Tears in his eyes quench the amazing light, Blood fills his frowns, which from his pierced head fell. And can that tongue adjudge thee unto hell, Which prayed forgiveness for his foes' fierce spite? No, no; but as in my idolatry I said to all my profane mistresses, Beauty, of pity, foulness only is A sign of rigour: so I say to thee, To wicked spirits are horrid shapes assigned, This beauteous form assures a piteous mind.
More by John Donne
- Holy Sonnet VIII: If Faithful Souls Be Alike Glorified
- Holy Sonnet X: Death Be Not Proud
- Holy Sonnet XI: Spit In My Face You Jews, And Pierce My Side
- Holy Sonnet XII: Why Are We By All Creatures Waited On?
- Holy Sonnet XIX: Oh, To Vex Me, Contraries Meet In One
- Holy Sonnet XV: Wilt Thou Love God, As He Thee? Then Digest
- Holy Sonnet XVI: Father, Part Of His Double Interest
- Holy Sonnet XVII: Since She Whom I Loved