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PASCAL'S CHARACTER OF HIMSELF, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I love and honour a poor humble state
Last Line: I'm nothing else but misery and woe.
Subject(s): Jesus Christ; Mankind; Pascal, Blaise (1623-1662); Salvation; Self-pity; Sin; Human Race


I LOVE and honour a poor humble state,
Because my Saviour Jesus Christ was poor;
And riches, too, that help us to abate
The miseries which other men endure.

I render back no injuries again,
Because I wish the doer's case like mine;
In which, nor good nor evil, as from men,
Is minded much, but from a Hand Divine.

I aim sincerely to be just and true;
For my good-will to all mankind extends:
A tenderness of heart, I think, is due,
Where stricter ties unite me to my friends.

Whether in conversation or alone,
Still to my mind God's presence I recal:
My actions wait the judgment of his throne,
And 'tis to Him I consecrate them all.

These are my thoughts, and briefly thus display'd;
I thank my Saviour for them ev'ry day;
Who, of a poor, weak, sinful man, has made
A man exempt from vice's evil sway.

Such is the force of His inspiring grace!
For all my good to that alone I owe;
Since, if my own corrupted self I trace,
I'm nothing else but misery and woe.





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