WOUNDED I sing, tormented I indite,
Thrown down I fall into a bed, and rest :
Sorrow hath chang’d its note : such is his will
Who changeth all things, as him pleaseth best.
For well he knows, if but one grief and smart
Among my many had his full career,
Sure it would carrie with it ev’n my heart,
And both would run until they found a biere
To fetch the bodie ; both being due to grief.
But he hath spoil’d the race ; and giv’n to anguish
One of Joyes coats, ticing it with relief
To linger in me, and together languish.
I live to shew his power, who once did bring
My joyes to weep, and now my griefs to sing.
Sorrow hath chang’d its note : such is his will
Who changeth all things, as him pleaseth best.
For well he knows, if but one grief and smart
Among my many had his full career,
Sure it would carrie with it ev’n my heart,
And both would run until they found a biere
To fetch the bodie ; both being due to grief.
But he hath spoil’d the race ; and giv’n to anguish
One of Joyes coats, ticing it with relief
To linger in me, and together languish.
I live to shew his power, who once did bring
My joyes to weep, and now my griefs to sing.
--George Herbert (1593-1633), English priest, poet, and preacher
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