O poet! more than Crashaw, saint! forgive,

If break my singing in unworthy praise;

Pardon, if uncouth love in stammering lays,

Seeking to thank, but give thee cause to grieve.

Unspoken gratitude is burden sore

When debt so passing strong of love is owed;

Unworthy speaking but augments the load,

Forgiveness making so love’s burden more.

So much to thee I owe! Along my life

Thy words like patient, wingèd seeds are sown,