Holy Sonnet XVI: Father, Part Of His Double Interest - A poem by John Donne

Father, part of his double interest Unto thy kingdom, thy Son gives to me, His jointure in the knotty Trinity He keeps, and gives to me his death's conquest. This Lamb, whose death with life the world hath blest, Was from the world's beginning slain, and he Hath made two Wills which with the Legacy Of his and thy kingdom do thy Sons invest. Yet such are thy laws that men argue yet Whether a man those statutes can fulfil; None doth; but all-healing grace and spirit Revive again what law and letter kill. Thy law's abridgement, and thy last command Is all but love; Oh let this last Will stand!

Poet: John Donne
Poem: Holy Sonnet XVI: Father, Part Of His Double Interest

Comment 1 of 1, added on April 12th, 2006 at 11:08 PM.

I wonder if anyone has examined this poem from the viewpoint of the contemporary law of wills and estates, with which Donne would have been familiar -- if not from his training at Lincoln's Inn, then from his time as secretary to the Lord Keeper; and whether there was some contemporary legal debate or dispute about the effect of having two wills (not to mention a joint tenancy as well). If anyone knows of such commentary, I'd be grateful to be directed to it. Thanks.

richard butler

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