George Herbert HOLY BAPTISME. (I) AS he that sees a dark and shadie grove,        Stayes not, but looks beyond it on the skie ;        So when I view my sinnes, mine eyes remove More backward still, and to that water flie, Which is above the heav’ns, whose spring and vent        Is in my dear Redeemers pierced side.        O blessed streams !  either ye do prevent And stop our sinnes from growing thick and wide, Or else give tears to drown them, as they grow.        In you Redemption measures all my time,        And spreads the plaister equall to the crime : You taught the book of life my name, that so,        Whatever future sinnes should me miscall,        Your first acquaintance might discredit all. Source: Herbert, George. The Poetical Works of George Herbert. New York: D. Appleton and Co., 1857. 50. to Works of George Herbert Site ©1996-2001 Anniina Jokinen. All Rights Reserved. Created by Anniina Jokinen on July 2, 2001.