The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations/Dialogue

by George Herbert

For works with similar titles, see Dialogue.

¶ Dialogue.

SWeetest Saviour, if my soul
Were but worth the having,
Quickly should I then controll
Any thought of waving.
But when all my care and pains
Cannot give the name of gains
To thy wretch so full of stains;
What delight or hope remains?

What (childe) is the ballance thine,
Thine the poise and measure?
If I say, Thou shalt be mine,
Finger not my treasure.
What the gains in having thee
Do amount to, onely he,
Who for man was sold, can see,
That transferr'd th'accounts to me.

But as I can see no merit,
Leading to this favour;
So the way to fit me for it,
Is beyond my savour.
As the reason then is thine;
So the way is none of mine:
I disclaim the whole designe:
Sinne disclaims and I resigne.

That is all, if that I could
Get without repining;
And my clay my creature would
Follow my resigning.
That as I did freely part
With my glorie and desert,
Left all joyes to feel all smart———
Ah! no more: thou break'st my heart.