George Herbert:Lent

Today is the commemoration of the great English poet George Herbert. Here are the last three stanzas of "Lent" from The Temple:

It 's true, we cannot reach Christ's fortieth day;
Yet to go part of that religious way,
                                              Is better than to rest:
We cannot reach our Savior's purity;
Yet are bid, Be holy ev'n as he.
                                             In both let 's do our best.

Who goeth in the way which Christ hath gone,
Is much more sure to meet with him, than one
                                            That travelleth by-ways:
Perhaps my God, though he be far before,
May turn, and take me by the hand, and more
                                             May strengthen my decays.

Yet Lord instruct us to improve our fast
By starving sin and taking such repast
                                            As may our faults control:
That ev'ry man may revel at his door,
Not in his parlor; banqueting the poor,
                                            And among those his soul.