Good and great God, can I not think of thee <br /> But it must straight my melancholy be? <br /> Is it interpreted in me disease <br /> That, laden with my sins, I seek for ease? <br /> Oh be thou witness, that the reins dost know <br /> And hearts of all, if I be sad for show, <br /> And judge me after; if I dare pretend <br /> To ought but grace or aim at other end. <br /> As thou art all, so be thou all to me, <br /> First, midst, and last, converted one, and three; <br /> My faith, my hope, my love; and in this state <br /> My judge, my witness, and my advocate. <br /> Where have I been this while exil'd from thee? <br /> And whither rap'd, now thou but stoop'st to me? <br /> Dwell, dwell here still. O, being everywhere, <br /> How can I doubt to find thee ever here? <br /> I know my state, both full of shame and scorn, <br /> Conceiv'd in sin, and unto labour borne, <br /> Standing with fear, and must with horror fall, <br /> And destin'd unto judgment, after all. <br /> I feel my griefs too, and there scarce is ground <br /> Upon my flesh t' inflict another wound. <br /> Yet dare I not complain, or wish for death <br /> With holy Paul, lest it be thought the breath <br /> Of discontent; or that these prayers be <br /> For weariness of life, not love of thee.<br /><br />Benjamin Jonson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-heaven-2/
