III. “O! might those sighs and tears return again”

O! MIGHT those sighs and tears return again

Into my breast and eyes, which I have spent,

That I might in this holy discontent

Mourn with some fruit, as I have mourn’d in vain.

In mine idolatry what showers of rain

Mine eyes did waste? what griefs my heart did rent?

That sufferance was my sin, I now repent;

’Cause I did suffer, I must suffer pain.

Th’ hydroptic drunkard, and night-scouting thief,

The itchy lecher, and self-tickling proud

Have the remembrance of past joys, for relief

Of coming ills. To poor me is allow’d

No ease; for long, yet vehement grief hath been

Th’ effect and cause, the punishment and sin.