Monday, February 11, 2013

British Literature reading: two poems by George Herbert

George Herbert (1593-1633)

 Redemption

 Having been tenant long to a rich Lord,
 Not thriving, I resolvèd to be bold,
And make a suit unto him to afford
 A new small-rented lease and cancel th'old.
In Heaven at his manor I him sought.
 They told me there that he was lately gone
About some land which he had dearly bought
 Long since on earth, to take possession,
I straight returned, and knowing his great birth,
 Sought him accordingly in great resorts,
 In cities, theaters, gardens, parks, and courts.
At length I heard a ragged noise and mirth
 Of thieves and murderers; there I him espied,
 Who straight "Your suit is granted," said, and died.

Easter Wings

Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,
Though foolishly he lost the same,
Decaying more and more,
Till he became
Most poore:
With thee
Oh let me rise
As larks, harmoniously,
And sing this day thy victories:
Then shall the fall further the flight in me.

My tender age in sorrow did beginne:
And still with sicknesses and shame
Thou didst so punish sinne,
That I became
Most thinne.
With thee
Let me combine
And feel this day thy victorie:
For, if I imp my wing on thine
Affliction shall advance the flight in me.

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