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Poem by George Herbert


The World


Love built a stately house, where Fortune came,
And spinning fancies, she was heard to say
That her fine cobwebs did support the frame,
Whereas they were supported by the same;
But Wisdom quickly swept them all away.

The Pleasure came, who, liking not the fashion,
Began to make balconies, terraces,
Till she had weakened all by alteration;
But reverend laws, and many a proclomation
Reforméd all at length with menaces.

Then entered Sin, and with that sycamore
Whose leaves first sheltered man from drought and dew,
Working and winding slily evermore,
The inward walls and summers cleft and tore;
But Grace shored these, and cut that as it grew.

Then Sin combined with death in a firm band,
To raze the building to the very floor;
Which they effected,--none could them withstand;
But Love and Grace took Glory by the hand,
And built a braver palace than before. 



George Herbert


George Herbert's other poems:
  1. Sighs and Groans
  2. Sin's Round
  3. Affliction
  4. Providence
  5. The Search


Poems of the other poets with the same name:

  • Christina Rossetti The World ("By day she woos me, soft, exceeding fair")
  • John Newton The World ("See, the world for youth prepares")
  • Henry Vaughan The World ("I saw Eternity the other night")
  • Katherine Philips The World ("Wee falsely think it due unto our friends")

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