12 Years a Sinner.

God, beside me throughout this internment,
Forgive our meeting's sudden adjournment.
This clutching messenger bows in reverence
Despite our stayéd throng's rueful severance.
Depart not from me, for I am still artless,
And do wend this wicked wasteland chartless
Seeking worthy redemption fervently
In sacraments applied observantly.
Lead me onwards to choral justice earnéd
And guide me with thy dulcet gospels learnéd.
Render me remnant statuesque beginner,
Eternally plaqued: your faithful sinner.

John Bunyan, English writer and preacher, died today in 1688.