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 almost all was out, God made a stay,

Perceiving that alone of all his treasure

Rest at 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.

 

George Herbert (1593-1633), The Pulley.