George Herbert
Metaphysical Poet
Holy Mr. Herbert
- Died March 1, 1633 in Bemerton, England
- Studied at Trinity College, Cambridge
- Was a skilled lutenist
- Served as a member of Parliament for Montgomery in 1624 and 1625
- Married Jane Danvers on March 5, 1629
- Gave a home to three orphaned nieces
- In 1633, his book The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations was published
____________ The Pulley _____________
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, honour, 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.”
Explanation of "The Pulley"
Sources
"What Is the Summary for the Poem "The Pulley" by George Herbert? - Homework Help - ENotes.com." Enotes.com. Enotes.com, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2016.
"George Herbert Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2016.
"George Herbert." Poetry Foundation. Poetry Foundation, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2016.