English poem
Holy Sonnet XIX: Oh, To Vex Me, Contraries Meet In One
by John Donne
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 feare.
More by John Donne
- 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 XIII: What If This Present Were The World's Last Night?
- 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
- Holy Sonnet XVIII: Show me, dear Christ, thy Spouse, so bright and clear