The Penitent
24 lines✦
had a little Sorrow,Born of a little Sin,I found a room all damp with gloomAnd shut us all within;And, "Little Sorrow, weep," said I,"And, Little Sin, pray God to die,And I upon the floor will lieAnd think how bad I've been!" Alas for pious planning--It mattered not a whit!As far as gloom went in that room,The lamp might have been lit!My little Sorrow would not weep,My little Sin would go to sleep--To save my soul I could not keepMy graceless mind on it! So up I got in anger,And took a book I had,And put a ribbon on my hairTo please a passing lad,And, "One thing there's no getting by--I've been a wicked girl," said I;"But if I can't be sorry, why,I might as well be glad!"
✦