Holy Sonnet XIX: Oh, to Vex Me, Contraries Meet in One
Oh, to vex me, contraries meet in one:Inconstancy unnaturally hath begotA constant habit; that when I would notI change in vows, and in devotion.As humorous is my contritionAs 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 todayIn prayers and flattering speeches I court God:Tomorrow I quake with true fear of his rod.So my devout fits come and go awayLike a fantastic ague; save that hereThose are my best days, when I shake with feare.
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