The Dawning


by George Herbert (1593 – 1633)

AWAKE, sad heart, whom sorrow ever drowns ;

Take up thine eyes, which feed on earth ;

Unfold thy forehead, gathered into frowns ;

Thy Saviour comes, and with Him mirth :

Awake, awake,

And with a thankful heart His comforts take.

But thou dost still lament, and pine, and cry,

And feel His death, but not His victory.

Arise, sad heart ; if thou dost not withstand,

Christ’s resurrection thine may be ;

Do not by hanging down break from the hand

Which, as it riseth, raiseth thee :

Arise, Arise;

And with His burial linen drie thine eyes.

Christ left His grave-clothes, that we might, when grief

Draws tears or blood, not want a handkerchief.

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