George Herbert (1593-1633). The Quip. Henry Charles Beeching, ed. 1903. Lyra Sacra: A Book of Religious Verse

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Henry Charles Beeching, ed. (1859–1919). Lyra Sacra: A Book of Religious Verse. 1903.

The Quip

By George Herbert (1593–1633)


THE MERRY world did on a day
With his train-bands and mates agree
To meet together, where I lay,
And all in sport to jeer at me.

First, Beauty crept into a rose,	5
Which, when I pluck’d not, Sir, said she,
Tell me, I pray, whose hands are those?
But Thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Then Money came, and chinking still,
What tune is this, poor man? said he:	10
I heard in Music you had skill.
But Thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Then came brave 1 Glory puffing by
In silks that whistled, who but he?
He scarce allow’d me half an eye.	15
But Thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Then came quick Wit and Conversation,
And he would needs a comfort be,
And, to be short, make an oration.
But Thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.	20

Yet when the hour of Thy design
To answer these fine things shall come;
Speak not at large, say, I am Thine:
And then they have their answer home.

Note 1. Finely drest. [back]