Rich and weary

Rich and weary

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 dispersed lie Contract into a span.   So strength first made a way; Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honour, pleasure; When...
I will lament and love

I will lament and love

Ah my dear angry Lord, Since thou dost love, yet strike; Cast down, yet help afford; Sure I will do the like.   I will complain, yet praise; I will bewail, approve; And all my sour sweet days I will lament, and love.   George Herbert (1593-1633),. Bitter...
Captain aboard!

Captain aboard!

With thee on board, each sailor is a king, Nor I mere captain of my vessel then, But heir of earth and heaven, eternal child; Daring all truth, nor fearing anything; Mighty in love, the servant of all men; Resenting nothing, taking rage and blare Into the Godlike...
Two deaths: here and hereafter

Two deaths: here and hereafter

Hark, how the birds do sing, And woods ring. All creatures have their joy; and man hath his, Yet if we rightly measure, Man’s joy and pleasure Rather hereafter, than in present, is….   Not that he may not here Taste of the cheer, But as birds drink, and straight...
Born among the trees and leaves

Born among the trees and leaves

O who will show me those delights on high Echo. I Thou echo, thou art mortal, all men know. Echo. No Wert thou not born among the trees and leaves? Echo. Leaves. And are there any leaves that still abide? Echo. Bide. What leaves are they? Impart the matter wholly....