GEORGE HERBERT

[1593–1633]

The Pulley

The fifth son of an ancient and wealthy Welsh family, George Herbert (1593–1633) studied at Cambridge, graduating with honors, and was elected public orator of the university. He served in Parliament for two years, but after falling out of political favor he became rector of Bemerton, near Salisbury. Herbert was a model Anglican priest and an inspiring preacher. All his poetry, religious in nature, was published posthumously in 1633. “Easter-wings” is among the earliest of concrete poems, and “The Pulley” is a fine example of metaphysical wit.

When God at first made man,

Having a glass of blessings standing by,

“Let us,” said he, “pour on him all we can.

Let the world’s riches, which dispersèd lie,

Contract into a span.”

So strength first made a way;

Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honor, pleasure.

When almost all was out, God made a stay,

Perceiving that, alone of all his treasure,

Rest in the bottom lay.

“For if I should,” said he,

“Bestow this jewel also on my creature,

He would adore my gifts instead of me,

And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature;

So both should losers be.

“Yet let him keep the rest,

But keep them with repining restlessness.

Let him be rich and weary, that at least,

If goodness lead him not, yet weariness

May toss him to my breast.”