LenTree For George Herbert

Day 35: Tuesday

Gratefulness

You that have giv'n so much to me,

Give one thing more, a grateful heart.

See how your beggar works on thee

                          By art.

     

He makes your gifts occasion more,

And says, If he in this be crossed,

All you have giv'n him heretofore

                          Is lost.

     

But you did reckon, when at first

Your word our hearts and hands did crave,

What it would come to at the worst

                          To save.

     

Perpetual knockings at your door,

Tears sullying your transparent rooms,

Gift upon gift, much would have more,

                          And comes.

     

This notwithstanding, you still went on,

And did allow us all our noise:

Nay, you have made a sigh and groan

                          Your joys.

     

Not that you have not still above

Much better tunes, than groans can make;

But that these country-airs your love

                          Did take.

     

Wherefore I cry, and cry again;

And in no quiet can you be,

Till I a thankful heart obtain

                          Of thee:

     

Not thankful, when it pleases me;

As if your blessings had spare days:

But such a heart, whose pulse may be

                          Your praise.

1633 Edition


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