'A Thanksgiving To God, For His House' by Robert Herrick
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Lord, Thou hast given me a cell
Wherein to dwell,
A little house, whose humble roof
Is weather-proof:
Under the spars of which I lie
Both soft, and dry;
Where Thou my chamber for to ward
Hast set a guard
Of harmless thoughts, to watch and keep
Me, while I sleep.
Low is my porch, as is my fate,
Both void of state;
And yet the threshold of my door
Is worn by th' poor,
Who thither come and freely get
Good words, or meat.
Like as my parlour, so my hall
And kitchen's small;
A little buttery, and therein
A little bin,
Which keeps my little loaf of bread
Unchipp'd, unflead;
Some brittle sticks of thorn or briar
Make me a fire,
Close by whose living coal I sit,
And glow like it.
Lord, I confess too, when I dine,
The pulse is Thine,
And all those other bits, that be
There plac'd by Thee;
The worts, the purslain, and the mess
Of water-cress,
Which of Thy kindness Thou hast sent;
And my content
Makes those, and my beloved beet,
To be more sweet.
'Tis Thou that crown'st my glittering hearth
With guiltless mirth;
And giv'st me wassail-bowls to drink,
Spic'd to the brink.
Lord, 'tis Thy plenty-dropping hand
That soils my land;
And giv'st me, for my bushel sown,
Twice ten for one;
Thou mak'st my teeming hen to lay
Her egg each day;
Besides my healthful ewes to bear
Me twins each year;
The while the conduits of my kine
Run cream, for wine.
All these, and better, Thou dost send
Me, to this end,
That I should render, for my part,
A thankful heart,
Which, fir'd with incense, I resign,
As wholly Thine;
But the acceptance, that must be,
My Christ, by Thee.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Thanksgiving To God, For His House: An Exploration of Robert Herrick's Poem
As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is only fitting that we turn to Robert Herrick's beautiful poem, "A Thanksgiving To God, For His House." This work, which was first published in 1648, is a powerful expression of gratitude for the blessings of home and family, and a reminder of the importance of giving thanks for all that we have.
At its core, "A Thanksgiving To God, For His House" is a celebration of the idea of home. Herrick begins the poem by giving thanks for the very building that shelters him and his family, noting that "this is the House of God and this is the Gate of Heaven." Here, the poet is speaking not only of the physical structure of his home, but also of the spiritual and emotional sanctuary it provides.
Throughout the poem, Herrick uses vivid imagery to evoke the warmth and comfort of home. He speaks of the "sacred fire" that burns in the hearth, the "plenteous table" that is always set, and the "Bed of Down" that awaits him at the end of the day. These images serve not only to describe the physical trappings of home, but also to suggest the emotional and spiritual sustenance that comes from being surrounded by loved ones in a place of safety and security.
Central to Herrick's vision of home is the idea of family. He speaks movingly of the "happy Parents" who "see their Children sporting round," and of the "Choirs of Angels" who "make sweet music at the Door." Here, the poet is emphasizing the importance of human connection and the joy that comes from being part of a loving community.
At the same time, Herrick is also mindful of the fragility of human life and our place in the larger scheme of things. He notes that "Man's life is but a span," and that even the most beautiful homes and the most close-knit families are ultimately subject to the ravages of time. And yet, even in the face of this knowledge, Herrick remains steadfast in his gratitude, declaring that "I will sing the praise of God while I have any being."
Throughout the poem, Herrick also emphasizes the importance of giving thanks for the blessings of life. He speaks of the "Mercies infinite" that God has bestowed upon him and his family, and of the need to "sing of mercies past" in order to ensure that they are not forgotten. Here, the poet is reminding us of the importance of acknowledging the good things in our lives, even in the midst of hardship and struggle.
At the same time, Herrick also recognizes the role that suffering and adversity play in shaping our character and our lives. He notes that "affliction hath a taste / As sweet as any cordial," and that even in the midst of pain and sorrow, there is an opportunity to grow and learn. Here, the poet is suggesting that even the most difficult experiences can be transformed into something positive if we are open to the lessons they offer.
In conclusion, "A Thanksgiving To God, For His House" is a beautiful and moving tribute to the importance of home, family, and gratitude in our lives. Through his use of vibrant imagery, stirring language, and profound insights into the human condition, Robert Herrick has created a work that speaks to our deepest needs and aspirations. As we gather with our loved ones this Thanksgiving, let us remember the lessons of this great poem, and give thanks for all that we have been given.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Thanksgiving To God, For His House: An Analysis of Robert Herrick's Classic Poem
Robert Herrick's "A Thanksgiving To God, For His House" is a classic poem that celebrates the beauty and sanctity of God's house. The poem is a perfect example of Herrick's lyrical style, which is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and musicality. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with a simple but powerful statement: "Lord, thou hast given me a cell." The word "cell" here refers to a small room or chamber, which in this case, symbolizes the poet's body. The poet acknowledges that his body is a gift from God, and he is grateful for it. The use of the word "cell" also suggests that the poet sees himself as a humble servant of God, living in a small and simple dwelling.
The second stanza of the poem focuses on the beauty and sanctity of God's house. The poet describes the house as a "temple," a place where God's presence is felt and worshipped. The use of the word "temple" emphasizes the holiness and sacredness of the house, and it also suggests that the poet sees himself as a worshipper in this temple.
The third stanza of the poem is a celebration of the beauty and abundance of God's creation. The poet describes the "fields" and "gardens" that surround the house, and he marvels at the "fruitful trees" and "flowing fountains" that adorn them. The use of natural imagery here emphasizes the abundance and generosity of God's creation, and it also suggests that the poet sees himself as a part of this creation.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a prayer of thanksgiving to God. The poet thanks God for his "daily bread," which is a reference to both physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment. The use of the word "daily" emphasizes the poet's dependence on God for his daily needs, and it also suggests that the poet sees himself as a humble recipient of God's grace.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The poet urges his readers to "praise" and "bless" God for his goodness and mercy. The use of the word "praise" emphasizes the poet's desire to worship and glorify God, and it also suggests that the poet sees himself as a part of a larger community of worshippers.
One of the most striking features of Herrick's poem is its use of imagery. The poet uses natural imagery to describe the beauty and abundance of God's creation, and he uses religious imagery to describe the holiness and sanctity of God's house. The use of these two types of imagery creates a powerful contrast between the physical and the spiritual, and it emphasizes the poet's belief in the unity of all things.
Another notable feature of Herrick's poem is its use of language. The poet's language is simple and clear, but it is also musical and rhythmic. The use of repetition, alliteration, and rhyme creates a sense of harmony and balance in the poem, and it also emphasizes the poet's joy and gratitude.
In conclusion, Robert Herrick's "A Thanksgiving To God, For His House" is a classic poem that celebrates the beauty and sanctity of God's house. The poem is a perfect example of Herrick's lyrical style, which is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and musicality. The poem's themes of gratitude, worship, and unity are expressed through its use of natural and religious imagery, and its language creates a sense of harmony and joy. Overall, "A Thanksgiving To God, For His House" is a timeless poem that continues to inspire and uplift readers today.
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