THE PULLEY

by: George Herbert (1593-1632)

HEN 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 dispersèd 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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