Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.

II. Prayer and Aspiration

Praise

George Herbert (1593–1633)

TO write a verse or two is all the praise

That I can raise;

Mend my estate in any wayes,

Thou shalt have more.

I go to church; help me to wings, and I

Will thither flie;

Or, if I mount unto the skie,

I will do more.

Man is all weaknesse: there is no such thing

As Prince or King:

His arm is short; yet with a sling

He may do more.

A herb destilled, and drunk, may dwell next doore,

On the same floore,

To a brave soul: Exalt the poore,

They can do more.

O, raise me then! poore bees, that work all day,

Sting my delay,

Who have a work, as well as they,

And much, much more.