TRUE LENT by Herrick

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 19, 1896

TRUE LENT.

By Herrick

Is this a fast, to keep The larder lean And clean From fat of veals and sheep?

Is it to quit the dish Of flesh, yet still To fill The platter high with fish?

Is it to fast an hour, Or ragg'd to go, Or show A downcast look and sour?

No! 'tis a fast to dole Thy sheaf of wheat And meat Unto the hungry soul.

It is to fast from strife, From old debate And hate, To circumcise thy life,

To show a heart grief rent, To starve thy sin, Not bin, And that's to keep thy Lent.

—Herrick.