Confession — Paul Fleming
I have lived hitherto more bad than bad;
Cold piety great fervour did pretend[;]
Deceiving heaven, my neighbour and my friend,
Seldom above myself and cloudward led,
To earth's mean vanities fast rivetted,
Done things whereof the joy did swiftly end;
Debtor to all the Law, as who would spend
And break and spoil the whole and yet be glad.
I witness to my sin in spite of me;
My judgment penalty and death decree.
This have I done, and this, and this, and worse
Why seek I here to tell the untold tale
Of all my wickedness? God reads too well
Upon my forehead written, all the curse.
Cold piety great fervour did pretend[;]
Deceiving heaven, my neighbour and my friend,
Seldom above myself and cloudward led,
To earth's mean vanities fast rivetted,
Done things whereof the joy did swiftly end;
Debtor to all the Law, as who would spend
And break and spoil the whole and yet be glad.
I witness to my sin in spite of me;
My judgment penalty and death decree.
This have I done, and this, and this, and worse
Why seek I here to tell the untold tale
Of all my wickedness? God reads too well
Upon my forehead written, all the curse.
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