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ReadingWillow structured literacy program for Australian students
Poetry Library

— Stephen Crane

I stood upon a high place,

And saw, below, many devils

Running, leaping,

And carousing in sin.

…

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To Heaven

26 lines
Ben Jonson·1572–1637
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ood and great God, can I not think of theeBut it must straight my melancholy be?Is it interpreted in me diseaseThat, laden with my sins, I seek for ease?Oh be thou witness, that the reins dost knowAnd hearts of all, if I be sad for show,And judge me after; if I dare pretendTo ought but grace or aim at other end.As thou art all, so be thou all to me,First, midst, and last, converted one, and three;My faith, my hope, my love; and in this stateMy judge, my witness, and my advocate.Where have I been this while exil'd from thee?And whither rap'd, now thou but stoop'st to me?Dwell, dwell here still. O, being everywhere,How can I doubt to find thee ever here?I know my state, both full of shame and scorn,Conceiv'd in sin, and unto labour borne,Standing with fear, and must with horror fall,And destin'd unto judgment, after all.I feel my griefs too, and there scarce is groundUpon my flesh t' inflict another wound.Yet dare I not complain, or wish for deathWith holy Paul, lest it be thought the breathOf discontent; or that these prayers beFor weariness of life, not love of thee.
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