of all the creatures both in sea and land

Only to man hast thou made known thy ways,

And put the pen alone into his hand,

And made him secretary of thy praise.

Beasts fain would sing; birds dittie to their notes;

Trees would be tuning on their native lute

To thy renown; but all their hands and throats

Are brought to man, while they are lame and mute.

Man is the world’s high priest: he doth present

The sacrifice for all….

George Herbert (1593-1633), Providence.