"
There is all the strong courage in these lines of the courtier-
parson. They make us remember that before he put on his priest's
robe he wore a sword. They are full of the fearless goodness
that was the mark of his gentle soul. And now, to end the
chapter, I will give you another little poem full of beauty and
tenderness. It is called The Pulley. Herbert often gave quaint
names to his poems, names which at first sight seem to have
little meaning. Perhaps you may be able to find out why this is
called The Pulley.
"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 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 in the bottom lay.
"'For if I should,' said He,
'Bestow this jewel 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.
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