A True Lent

Is this a fast,—to keep The larder lean, And clean From fat of veals and sheep? Is it to quit the dish Of flesh, yet still To fill The platter high with fish? Is it to fast an hour, Or ragg’d to go, Or show A downcast look, and sour? No! ’t is a fast to dole Thy sheaf of wheat, And meat, Unto the hungry soul. It is to fast from strife, From old debate And hate,— To circumcise thy life. To show a heart grief-rent; To starve thy sin, Not bin,— And that ’s to keep thy Lent.

Collection: 
English
1611
Robert Herrick
Sub Title: 
VI. Human Experience

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