Now how shall I begin this task to write?
Shall I lament some brokenness of soul,
or start by praising Him who is my light?
Shall my first verse regard the dark Sheol,
or set in rhyme the joy of this new life?
I know not what to write, put down, nor pen.
My mind is dull when here I need a knife.
Forsooth, it’s pride’s demand to hear “Amen”
after some clever use of this, my craft,
which honed and excellent, might please my God.
Shall all my skill be more than some poor draught
drawn from a perfect source, by me made flawed?
O Spirit, guide me to express your truth
that I may sing of you within my youth.
Sonnet: Prelude
Tale Told 