Benjamin Britten — XIX: Oh to vex me contraryes meet in one

Oh, to vex me, contraries meet in one: Inconstancy unnaturally hath begot A constant habit; that when I would not I change in vows, and in devotion As humorous is my contrition As my profane love, and as soon forgot: As riddlingly distempered, cold and hot As praying, as mute; as infinite, as none I durst not view heaven yesterday; and today In prayers and flattering speeches I court God: Tomorrow I quake with true fear of his rod So my devout fits come and go away Like a fantastic ague; save that here Those are my best days, when I shake with fear