Selected Poems
Author: first_name: George
last_name: Herbert
Language: English
Year: 1905

These poems, from Herbert’s book <em>The Temple</em>, show the evolution of a soul’s relationship with God. Sudden reversals of mood are common, for although Herbert is best known for his quiet tone, he was not a tranquil man but proud and ambitious. He achieved tranquility by active effort. His works may be read autobiographically, for they are intensely personal. Yet through his personal experience we perceive a reality larger than the personal. For example, his many homely comparisons—to bowl