World Class Poetry Blog

The Pulley: A Poem By Metaphysical Poet George Herbert
6 April 2008, the poet @ 5:11 pm

“The Pulley” is by George Herbert, a metaphysical poet and contemporary of John Donne. Written in 1633, the poem centers around an extended metaphor, or conceit. It is easy to see why “The Pulley” is one of the most beloved religious poems in history. It is simple, it follows a simply rhyme scheme, is easily remembered, and gives homage to the Creator rather than His creation. And it is masterfully crafted.

The poem is easy to follow, even if the language is somewhat antiquated. Still, most of us should find it easier to read than many of Shakespeare’s poems. George Herbert is a major poet and can teach us something about simplicity in language, meter, and rhyme, and how to employ the complex device of conceit within the simplicity of language and meter. “The Pulley” is today’s religious poem in honor of National Poetry Month.

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 dispers'd lie,
Contract into a span.

So strength first made a way,
Then beauty flow'd, 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.

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