Wilt thou forgive that Sin, where I began, which was my Sin tho’ it were done before?
Wilt thou forgive that Sin, through which I run, and do run still, tho’ still I do deplore?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done, for I have more.
Wilt thou forgive that Sin, by which I’ve won others to sin, and made my Sin their dore?
Wilt thou forgive that Sin, which I did shun a year or two, yet 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;
But swear by thyself that at my Death, thy Sun shall shine, as he shines now and heretofore,
And having done that, thou hast done. I fear no more.

John Donne (1572-1631)

Wilt Thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which is my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt Thou forgive those sins 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 which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sins 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;
But 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.

John Donne (1572-1631)