Virtue by George Herbert: Summary, Analysis & Themes
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George Herbert’s poem "Virtue" is a profound meditation on the transitory nature of life and the enduring quality of virtue. Through vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, Herbert explores the inevitable decay of all things earthly, contrasting them with the eternal strength of a virtuous soul.
"Virtue" Poem Text by George Herbert
Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright,
The bridal of the earth and sky:
The dew shall weep thy fall to-night;
For thou must die.
Sweet rose, whose hue angry and brave
Bids the rash gazer wipe his eye:
Thy root is ever in its grave,
And thou must die.
Sweet spring, full of sweet days and roses,
A box where sweets compacted lie;
My music shows ye have your closes,
And all must die.
Only a sweet and virtuous soul,
Like season'd timber, never gives;
But though the whole world turn to coal,
Then chiefly lives. Quick Facts Title: Virtue Author: George Herbert Published: 1633 Genre: Lyric Poem Theme: Mortality, Virtue, Eternal Life Poem Length: 16 lin…