University of Virginia Library


65

[Men say that Thou hast plumbed the deep]

Men say that Thou hast plumbed the deep,
And drained the cup, of woe,
Wept every tear that mortals weep.—
It was, and was not so.
That Thou didst taste each outward sting,
Breathe every inward sigh
That guilt from innocence can wring,
Who doubts, or dares deny?
But ah! remorse, that sinks the soul
Lower than hell below—
Life's one irreparable dole—
Thou didst not, couldst not know.