George Herbert: The Pulley

Lyrics

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."