George Herbert (1593–1633)

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 dispersèd lie,

Contract into a span.”

So strength first made away;

Then beauty flowed; then wisdom, honor, pleasure.

When almost all was out, God made a stay;

Perceiving that alone of all the 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.”