It bade me kneel so oft, I’ll not retreat

From thee, nor fear before thy feet to fall.

And I shall say, ‘Receive this loving heart

Which err’d in sorrow only; and in sin

Took no delight; but being forced apart

From thee, without thee hoping thee to win,

Most prized what most thou madest as thou art

On earth, till heaven were open to enter in.’

67

Dreary was winter, wet with changeful sting