Meditations for Ash Wednesday

Wilt Thou Forgive?

by: John Donne

Wilt Thou forgive that sin where I begun

Which is my sin though it were done before?

Wilt Thou forgive that sin through which I run

And do run still, though still I do deplore?

When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done

For I have more.

Wilt Thou forgive that sin by which I won

Others to sin and made my sin their door?

Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I did shun

A year or two, but wallow'd in a score?

When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done

For I have more.

I have a sin of fear that when I've spun

My last thread, I shall perish on the shore.

Swear by Thyself that at my death Thy Son

Shall shine as He shines now and heretofore.

And having done that, Thou hast done.

I fear no more.