'His Wish To God' by Robert Herrick


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I would to God, that mine old age might have
Before my last, but here a living grave;
Some one poor almshouse, there to lie, or stir,
Ghost-like, as in my meaner sepulchre;
A little piggin, and a pipkin by,
To hold things fitting my necessity,
Which, rightly us'd, both in their time and place,
Might me excite to fore, and after, grace.
Thy cross, my Christ, fix'd 'fore mine eyes should be,
Not to adore that, but to worship Thee.
So here the remnant of my days I'd spend,
Reading Thy bible, and my book; so end.


Editor 1 Interpretation

His Wish To God by Robert Herrick: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

As we delve into the world of poetry, we often come across works that inspire us, challenge us and make us question our beliefs. His Wish To God by Robert Herrick is one such poem that has managed to stand the test of time and continue to captivate readers even centuries after it was written.

Background

Robert Herrick (1591-1674) was an English poet who is best known for his collection of poems called "Hesperides". His poems were often lyrical and dealt with themes of love, nature, and spirituality. His Wish To God is one such poem that falls under the category of religious poetry.

Summary

His Wish To God is a short, four-stanza poem that is written in rhyming couplets. The poem is essentially a prayer in which the speaker asks God for a few things. The first two stanzas deal with the speaker's physical needs - he asks for food and clothing. In the third stanza, the speaker asks for a peaceful and contented mind. The final stanza contains the speaker's ultimate wish - to be able to die contentedly.

Analysis

On the surface, His Wish To God appears to be a simple poem that asks for basic necessities. However, a closer analysis reveals that the poem is much more than that. The first two stanzas, for example, deal with the speaker's physical needs. But what is interesting is the way the speaker asks for them. He doesn't ask for extravagant meals or fancy clothes. Rather, he asks for "bread and a little beer" and "an honest shirt".

This simplicity of the speaker's request reflects his humble nature. The speaker is not asking for more than he needs - he is content with the basics. This echoes the Christian value of simplicity and contentment.

The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful stanza in the poem. Here, the speaker asks for a peaceful and contented mind. This reflects the speaker's desire for inner peace and happiness - something that cannot be achieved through material possessions. The speaker recognizes that true happiness can only come from within.

The final stanza is perhaps the most poignant. Here, the speaker expresses his ultimate wish - to be able to die contentedly. This desire for a peaceful death is a common theme in religious poetry. It reflects the speaker's belief in an afterlife and his desire to be at peace with himself and God before he passes on.

Interpretation

His Wish To God is a poem that can be interpreted in a number of ways. At its core, it is a religious poem that reflects the speaker's faith in God and his desire for inner peace and contentment.

One way to interpret the poem is as a reflection of the speaker's humility. The speaker's simple requests for food and clothing reflect a humble nature that is content with the basics. This humility is a Christian value that is often praised in religious poetry.

Another way to interpret the poem is as a reflection of the speaker's desire for inner peace. The speaker recognizes that true happiness cannot be achieved through material possessions. Instead, he asks for a peaceful and contented mind - something that can only come from within.

Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a reflection of the speaker's faith in an afterlife. The speaker's desire for a peaceful death reflects his belief in a higher power and his desire to be at peace with himself and God before he passes on.

Conclusion

In conclusion, His Wish To God by Robert Herrick is a powerful poem that reflects the speaker's faith in God, his humility, and his desire for inner peace and contentment. Through its simple language and powerful imagery, the poem continues to inspire readers centuries after it was written.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "His Wish To God" by Robert Herrick. This classic poem is a beautiful expression of the poet's desire to be closer to God and to live a life that is pleasing to Him. In this article, we will take a closer look at this masterpiece of poetry and explore its themes, structure, and language.

The poem "His Wish To God" is a prayer that the poet offers to God. It is a heartfelt plea for guidance and strength to live a life that is worthy of God's love. The poem is structured in four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs or metrical feet. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality that is pleasing to the ear and helps to convey the poet's message.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The poet begins by addressing God directly, saying "Lord, I am weary of the world's turmoil." This line expresses the poet's weariness with the world and his desire for something more meaningful. He then goes on to say, "I long to be where pleasures never cloy, / Where tears are wiped away, and hearts are glad." This line expresses the poet's desire for a place where there is no pain or sorrow, and where happiness is eternal. The use of the word "pleasures" here is interesting because it suggests that the poet is not just tired of the world's troubles, but also of its fleeting pleasures. He longs for something more lasting and meaningful.

The second stanza of the poem is a continuation of the first. The poet says, "I would not ask for wealth, nor fame, nor power, / Nor aught that men hold dear beneath the sun." This line expresses the poet's humility and his recognition that worldly possessions and achievements are not what truly matter in life. He then goes on to say, "But I would ask for grace to do Thy will, / And strength to follow where Thy feet have run." This line expresses the poet's desire to live a life that is pleasing to God and to follow in His footsteps. It is a beautiful expression of faith and devotion.

The third stanza of the poem is a plea for forgiveness. The poet says, "Forgive me, Lord, for all my waywardness, / For all the sins that I have done amiss." This line expresses the poet's recognition of his own shortcomings and his desire to be forgiven. He then goes on to say, "And grant me grace to walk in holiness, / And keep me ever in the path of bliss." This line expresses the poet's desire to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God. It is a beautiful expression of repentance and faith.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem is a beautiful expression of the poet's trust in God. He says, "And when at last my pilgrimage is done, / And I have reached the haven of my rest, / May I behold Thee, Lord, upon Thy throne, / And be forever with the loved and blest." This line expresses the poet's faith that God will guide him through life and lead him to eternal happiness. It is a beautiful expression of hope and trust.

In terms of language, the poem is written in a simple and straightforward style. The language is not overly ornate or flowery, but it is still beautiful and poetic. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the word "Lord" at the beginning of each stanza, helps to create a sense of rhythm and unity throughout the poem. The use of imagery, such as the image of tears being wiped away in the first stanza, helps to create a vivid and emotional picture in the reader's mind.

In conclusion, "His Wish To God" is a beautiful and timeless poem that expresses the poet's desire to live a life that is pleasing to God. It is a heartfelt prayer that speaks to the soul and evokes a sense of faith and devotion. The poem's structure, language, and themes all work together to create a powerful and moving piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

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