sin
by Chesterton · Cluster: Unrequited Frustrated Love · Unattainable Beloved · Petrarchan Sonnet
Abstract
A sonnet on love, in which the speaker swears to smite even prophet or angel who fails to revere a woman’s love as sacred. Themes of romantic love as religion and reverence.
Testo / Text
Connections
Historical References: Bible
Archetypes: Lover
Topoi: Love as Religion Themes & Concepts: Romantic Love, Sin and the Fall, Faith, Jealousy, Honour Forms & Genres: Sonnet
Testo integrale / Full text
The Unpardonable Sin
G K Chesterton
I do not cry, beloved, neither curse.
Silence and strength, these two at least are good.
He gave me sun and stars and aught He could,
But not a woman’s love; for that is hers.
He sealed her heart from sage and questioner —
Yea, with seven seals, as he has sealed the grave.
And if she give it to a drunken slave,
The Day of Judgment shall not challenge her.
Only this much: if one, deserving well,
Touching your thin young hands and making suit,
Feel not himself a crawling thing, a brute,
Buried and bricked in a forgotten hell;
Prophet and poet be he over sod,
Prince among angels in the highest place,
God help me, I will smite him on the face,
Before the glory of the face of God.