Holy Sonnet 3 by John Donne - Read by Arthur L Wood
Holy Sonnet 3, by John Donne Oh, 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.
The eyedroptic drunkard and night-scouting thief,
The itchy lecher and self-tickling proud, Have the remembrance of past joys,
For relief of coming ills.
To poor me is allowed no ease, For long, yet vehement grief hath been
The effect and cause, the punishment and sin.