The Sinner

Portrait of George Herbert
George Herbert 1593–1633

Lord, how I am all ague, when I seek What I have treasur'd in my memory! Since, if my soul make even with the week, Each seventh note by right is due to thee. I find there quarries of pil'd vanities, But shreds of holiness, that dare not venture To show their face, since cross to thy decrees: There the circumference earth is, heav'n the centre. In so much dregs the quintessence is small: The spirit and good extract of my heart Comes to about the many hundredth part. Yet Lord restore thine image, hear my call: And though my hard heart scarce to thee can groan, Remember that thou once didst write in stone.

Keep reading

Discover more of George Herbert’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.