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THE RELAPSE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: My god, how gracious art thou! I had slipped
Last Line: These are his due.
Alternate Author Name(s): Silurist


My God, how gracious art thou! I had slipped
Almost to hell,
And on the verge of that dark, dreadful pit
Did hear them yell,
But O thy love! thy rich, almighty love
That saved my soul,
And checked their fury, when I saw them move,
And heard them howl;
O my sole Comfort, take no more these ways,
This hideous path,
And I will mend my own without delays,
Cease thou thy wrath!
I have deserved a thick, Egyptian damp,
Dark as my deeds,
Should mist within me, and put out that lamp
Thy spirit feeds;
A darting conscience full of stabs and fears;
No shade but yew,
Sullen and sad eclipses, cloudy spheres,
These are my due.
But he that with his blood (a price too dear)
My scores did pay,
Bid me, by virtue from him, challenge here
The brightest day;
Sweet, downy thoughts; soft lily-shades; calm streams;
Joys full and true;
Fresh, spicy mornings; and eternal beams:
These are his due.





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