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Holy Sonnets
Holy Sonnet XIII

by John Donne

What if this present were the worlds last night? 
Marke in my heart, O Soule, where thou dost dwelly 
The picture of Christ crucified, and tell 
Whether that countenance can thee affright, 
Teares in his eyes quench the amazing light, 
Blood fills his frownes, which from his pierc'd head fell. 
And can that tongue adjudge thee unto hell, 
Which pray'd forgivenesse for his foes fierce spight? 
No, no; but as in my idolatrie 
I said to all my profane mistresses, 
Beauty, of pitty, foulnesse onely is 
A signe of rigour: so I say to thee, 
To wicked spirits are horrid shapes assign'd, 
This beauteous forme assures a pitious minde. 
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