The Quip
by George Herbert

English metaphysical poet. The majority of his works were religious poems written in the last years of his life and were published in The Temple: Sacred poems and Private Ejaculations (1633). His notable poems include 'The Church Porch' a doctrinal poem, and 'The Altar' and 'Easter Wings', pattern poems where the lines form the shape of the subject. Other metaphysical poets include John Donne, Henry Vaughan and Andrew Marvell.

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The Quip
by George Herbert

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,
Which when I plucked 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,
"I heard in music you had skill."
But thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Then came brave Glory puffing by
In silks that whistled -who but he?
He scarce allowed me half an eye.
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.

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.

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The Quip by George Herbert