| Herbert J.C. Grierson, ed. (1886–1960). Metaphysical Lyrics & Poems of the 17th C. 1921. |
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| John Donne |
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| 73. "What if this present were the worlds last night?" |
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| WHAT if this present were the worlds last night? | |
| Marke in my heart, O Soule, where thou dost dwell, | |
| The picture of Christ crucified, and tell | |
| Whether that countenance can thee affright, | |
| Teares in his eyes quench the amasing light, | 5 |
| 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, | 10 |
| 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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