The Holy Sonnets of John Donne: V. What if this present
Britten,Ian Bostridge,Graham Johnson
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What if this present were the world's last night?
Mark in my heart, O Soul, where thou dost dwell
A picture of Christ crucified
And tell whether that countenance can thee affright
Tears in his eyes quench the amazing light
Blood fills his crowns which from his pierced head fell
And can that tongue adjudge thee into hell
Which prayed forgiveness for his foes, feels spite?
No, no
But as in my idolatry I said to all my profane mistresses
"Beauty of pity, foulness only is a sign of rigor"
So I say to thee, to wicked spirits
Are holy shapes a sign
This beauteous form assures the piteous mind