George Herbert - Non-Music, Lyric Poem (Literature)
The Affliction-I by George Herbert Lyrics
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When first thou didst entice to thee my heart, I thought the service brave; So many joys I writ down for my part, Besides what I might have Out of my stock of natural delights, Augmented with thy gracious benefits. I looked on thy furniture so fine, And made it fine to me; Thy glorious household-stuff did me entwine, And 'tice me unto thee. Such stars I counted mine: both heav'n and earth; Paid me my wages in a world of mirth. What pleasures could I want, whose King I serv'd, Where joys my fellows were? Thus argu'd into hopes, my thoughts reserv'd No place for grief or fear. Therefore my sudden soul caught at the place, And made her youth and fierceness seek thy face. At first thou gav'st me milk and sweetnesses; I had my wish and way; My days were straw'd with flow'rs and happiness; There was no month but May. But with my years sorrow did twist and grow, And made a party unawares for woe. My flesh began unto my soul in pain, "Sicknesses cleave my bones; Consuming agues dwell in ev'ry vein, And tune my breath to groans." Sorrow was all my soul; I scarce believ'd, Till grief did tell me roundly, that I liv'd. When I got health, thou took'st away my life, And more, for my friends die; My mirth and edge was lost, a blunted knife Was of more use than I. Thus thin and lean without a fence or friend, I was blown through with ev'ry storm and wind. Whereas my birth and spirit rather took The way that takes the town; Thou didst betray me to a ling'ring book, And wrap me in a gown. I was entangled in the world of strife, Before I had the power to change my life. Yet, for I threaten'd oft the siege to raise, Not simp'ring all mine age, Thou often didst with academic praise Melt and dissolve my rage. I took thy sweet'ned pill, till I came where I could not go away, nor persevere. Yet lest perchance I should too happy be In my unhappiness, Turning my purge to food, thou throwest me Into more sicknesses. Thus doth thy power cross-bias me, not making Thine own gift good, yet me from my ways taking. Now I am here, what thou wilt do with me None of my books will show; I read, and sigh, and wish I were a tree, For sure then I should grow To fruit or shade: at least some bird would trust Her household to me, and I should be just. Yet, though thou troublest me, I must be meek; In weakness must be stout; Well, I will change the service, and go seek Some other master out. Ah my dear God! though I am clean forgot, Let me not love thee, if I love thee not.
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Meaning of "The Affliction-I" by George Herbert
The narrator recounts an initial, fervent devotion that soured into a bitter disillusionment. At first, the narrator saw a life of service as a path to abundant joy and "gracious benefits," readily embracing the perceived finery and "mirth" offered. This early phase was characterized by an unwavering optimism, where "grief or fear" had no place in their "sudden soul." The core tension arises from the stark contrast between the promised "milk and sweetnesses" and the eventual reality of pervasive suffering. The narrator details a progression from youthful happiness, where "there was no month but May," to a painful entanglement with "sorrow" that grew alongside their years. This sorrow is personified, becoming a tangible force that twists with the narrator's flesh and makes them question their own existence, stating, "grief did tell me roundly, that I lived." A striking element is the narrator's perception of their "service" as a form of betrayal. What began as an "enticement" to a life of glory and ease devolved into a "ling'ring book" and a "gown," suggesting a confinement or a scholarly, perhaps monastic, existence that feels like a punishment. The narrator feels "blown through with ev'ry storm and wind," a stark image of vulnerability and lack of protection, contrasting sharply with the initial sense of security and abundance. Ultimately, the lyrics effectively capture the devastating impact of broken promises and a faith that yields affliction instead of reward. The narrator's final plea to be released from this service, or at least to be freed from a false love, highlights the profound emotional cost of a devotion that has become a source of pain rather than solace. The desire to be a tree, offering shade and shelter, underscores a yearning for a simpler, more grounded existence that provides genuine purpose and stability.
This AI-assisted editorial analysis was reviewed, improved, and approved by the LyricsWeb editorial team.
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- George Herbert