Mary Stuart

1542-1587 / Scotland

Sonnet Written During Her Imprisonment

The wrath of God is not appeased by blood
Of goats nor oxen on the altar laid,
No incense nor any sacrifice made
Brings satisfaction to the Lord our God
Those who seek to please you must maintain,
O Lord, their faith in immortality
And to mankind bear hope and charity
And do good works, nor take thy laws in vain.
The only offering that pleases you
Is a mind that dwells in constant prayer
In a living chaste body, devout and humble there.
Almighty God, grant that it be my due
To bear these gifts in my heart all my days
And off them to your eternal praise.
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