John Donne   HOLY SONNETS. XIII. What if this present were the world's last night ? Mark in my heart, O soul, where thou dost dwell, The picture of Christ crucified, and tell Whether His countenance can thee affright. Tears in His eyes quench the amazing light ; Blood fills his frowns, which from His pierced head fell ; And can that tongue adjudge thee unto hell, Which pray'd forgiveness for His foes' fierce spite ? No, no ; but as in my idolatry I said to all my profane mistresses, Beauty of pity, foulness only is A sign of rigour ; so I say to thee, To wicked spirits are horrid shapes assign'd ; This beauteous form assures a piteous mind. Source: Donne, John. Poems of John Donne. vol I. E. K. Chambers, ed. London: Lawrence & Bullen, 1896. 164-165. Petrus Christus. The Last Judgement, 1452. From CGFA. to Works of John Donne Site copyright ©1996-2003 Anniina Jokinen.All Rights Reserved. Created by Anniina Jokinen on June 14, 1996. Last updated on September 8, 2003. Background by the kind permission of Stormi Wallpaper Boutique.