The Ruddy Bloke

 Introduction The Pulley is a metaphysical poem written by George Herbert, an English poet from the 17th century. The poem explores the idea of divine providence and the nature of human desires. Let's look into the lines of the poem. The Text: 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 a 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 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.” Summary In the poem, He

  Introduction The poem ' Love (3)'  was written by George Herbert, a 17th Century poet and clergyman. The poem explores the theme of divine love and the encounter between the speaker and Love, which symbolizes God's love and grace. Let's look into the lines of the poem first. The Text: Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back                               Guilty of dust and sin. But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack                              From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,                              If I lacked any thing.   A guest, I answered, worthy to be here:                              Love said, You shall be he. I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear,                              I cannot look on thee. Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,                              Who made the eyes but I?   Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame                              Go where it doth deserve. And know you n

 Introduction Easter Wings is a poem written by George Herbert, an English poet from the 17th century. It was published in his posthumous collection "The Temple" in 1633. The poem consists of two verses, each shaped like wings, symbolizing flight and ascension. The Text: Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,       Though foolishly he lost the same,             Decaying more and more,                   Till he became                         Most poore:                         With thee                   O let me rise             As larks, harmoniously,       And sing this day thy victories: Then shall the fall further the flight in me. My tender age in sorrow did beginne       And still with sicknesses and shame.             Thou didst so punish sinne,                   That I became                         Most thinne.                         With thee                   Let me combine,             And feel thy victorie:          For, if I imp my wing on thine, Afflict

  Introduction The Collar is a metaphysical poem written by George Herbert, a 17th-century English poet and clergyman. The poem explores themes of inner conflict, doubt, and spiritual crisis. It is a dramatic monologue, wherein the speaker, who represents the poet himself, expresses his frustration and rebellion against his religious calling. Text: I struck the board, and cried, "No more;                          I will abroad! What? shall I ever sigh and pine? My lines and life are free, free as the road, Loose as the wind, as large as store.           Shall I be still in suit? Have I no harvest but a thorn To let me blood, and not restore What I have lost with cordial fruit?           Sure there was wine Before my sighs did dry it; there was corn     Before my tears did drown it.       Is the year only lost to me?           Have I no bays to crown it, No flowers, no garlands gay? All blasted?                   All wasted? Not so, my heart; but there is fruit,             And th

 Introduction The poem ' Affliction (I) ' by George Herbert was published in his poetic collections, " The Temple ". Before understanding a few things about the poem, let's look into the life and works of George Herbert. George Herbert George Herbert, a revered poet of the 17th century, remains an enduring figure in English literature and a true representative of the metaphysical poets. Born into a prominent Welsh family in 1593, Herbert's life was a tapestry of contradictions, intellectual prowess, and unwavering faith. Through his eloquent verses and profound insights, he shared a unique perspective on the human experience, spirituality, and the complexities of religious devotion. Early Life and Education Born in Montgomery, Wales, George Herbert was the fifth of ten children. His father died when he was young, leaving his mother, Magdalen, to raise the children and manage the family estate. Young Herbert displayed remarkable academic aptitude, and his intel

Introduction The Relic is a metaphysical poem written by John Donne, a 17th-century English poet. The poem consists of three stanzas, each exploring miraculous nature of the love that the speaker and his beloved shared. Various themes like religion, societal norms, chastity etc. can be seen in the poem. Let's look into the lines first. The Text: When my grave is broke up again Some second guest to entertain, (For graves have learn'd that woman head, To be to more than one a bed) And he that digs it, spies A bracelet of bright hair about the bone, Will he not let'us alone, And think that there a loving couple lies, Who thought that this device might be some way To make their souls, at the last busy day, Meet at this grave, and make a little stay? If this fall in a time, or land, Where mis-devotion doth command, Then he, that digs us up, will bring Us to the Bishop, and the King, To make us relics; then Thou shalt be a Mary Magdalen, and I A something else thereby; All women

  Introduction The Anniversary is written by John Donne, an influential English poet, preacher, and essayist, best known for his metaphysical poetry. The Anniversary is a poem that explores the complex nature of love and the passage of time. It is addressed to the speaker's beloved, celebrating the anniversary of their relationship. In the poem, Donne reflects on the temporal nature of human existence and compares it to the enduring nature of their love. He acknowledges the inevitability of aging and the changes that occur over time, but asserts that their love transcends these earthly limitations. Let's see the lines before further explanations. The Text: All Kings, and all their favourites, All glory of honours, beauties, wits, The sun itself, which makes times, as they pass, Is elder by a year now than it was When thou and I first one another saw: All other things to their destruction draw, Only our love hath no decay; This no tomorrow hath, nor yesterday, Running it never

  Introduction The Sun Rising is a metaphysical poem written by John Donne, a 17th-century English poet. The poem consists of three stanzas, each exploring different aspects of the speaker's argument with the sun. Let's see the lines. The Text: Busy old fool, unruly sun, Why dost thou thus, Through windows, and through curtains call on us? Must to thy motions lovers' seasons run? Saucy pedantic wretch, go chide Late school boys and sour prentices, Go tell court huntsmen that the king will ride, Call country ants to harvest offices, Love, all alike, no season knows nor clime, Nor hours, days, months, which are the rags of time. Thy beams, so reverend and strong Why shouldst thou think? I could eclipse and cloud them with a wink, But that I would not lose her sight so long; If her eyes have not blinded thine, Look, and tomorrow late, tell me, Whether both th' Indias of spice and mine Be where thou leftst them, or lie here with me. Ask for those kings whom thou saw'st