To keep a true Lent
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 ragd 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 thats to keep thy Lent.
Robert Herrick
Lent – from the OE for lengthening of days.