'The Pulley' by George Herbert
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When God at first made man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by,
Let us (said He) pour on him all we can:
Let the world's riches, which dispersed lie,
Contract into a span.
So strength first made a way;
Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honour, pleasure:
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that alone of all His treasure
Rest in the bottom lay.
For if I should (said He)
Bestow this jewel also on my creature,
He would adore My gifts instead of Me,
And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature:
So both should losers be.
Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlessness:
Let him be rich and weary, that, at least,
If goodness lead him not, yet weariness
May toss him to My breast.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Pulley: A Spiritual Journey Through George Herbert's Poem
If there is one poem that reveals George Herbert's mastery of religious poetry, it is "The Pulley." Written in the 17th century, this poem is a powerful exploration of God's love and man's desire. It is a spiritual journey that takes us from the heights of human pride to the depths of divine grace. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will unpack the layers of meaning in "The Pulley" and explore how Herbert's poetic language illuminates the mysteries of faith.
Background
Before we delve into the poem, let us first understand its context. George Herbert (1593-1633) was an English poet and Anglican priest who lived during the reign of King James I. He is known for his religious poetry, which reflects his deep piety and his belief in the power of language to convey spiritual truths. Herbert's poems were published posthumously in 1633 under the title "The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations."
"The Pulley" is part of a larger collection of poems called "The Temple." It is one of Herbert's most popular and anthologized poems, and it is often cited as an example of his skill in using metaphor and imagery to express complex spiritual ideas. The poem is structured as a dialogue between God and man, and it explores the relationship between the two.
Analysis
Let us now turn to the poem itself. "The Pulley" is a short poem consisting of three stanzas. The first stanza sets the scene:
When God at first made man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by,
"Let us," said he, "pour on him all we can;
Let the world's riches, which dispersed lie,
Contract into a span."
The opening lines establish the theme of creation and divine providence. God is portrayed as a generous benefactor who has a "glass of blessings" at his disposal. He wants to "pour on [man] all we can," and he seeks to gather together the scattered riches of the world into a single "span" or measure. This image suggests that God's intention is to give man everything he needs to be happy and fulfilled.
The second stanza introduces a twist in the narrative:
Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlessness;
Let him be rich and weary, that at least,
If goodness lead him not, yet weariness
May toss him to my breast.
Here, God reveals that he has withheld one blessing from man - the blessing of contentment. He tells man to "keep the rest" of his blessings, but to do so with a sense of "repining restlessness." This means that man should never be fully satisfied with what he has, and should always strive for more. The reason for this is that if man becomes too comfortable and secure, he may forget his need for God. Instead, God wants man to be "rich and weary," so that if he cannot find goodness on his own, he will be driven to seek it in God's embrace.
The final stanza brings the poem to its climax:
But let him sleep, and spare not;
That he may waken to the truth, and know
That I am his pillow, and his bed.
Yet not to his feet only, but to his head.
When he lies down, let him be thy care
Lest he fall on his face.
Here, God instructs man to "sleep" and to rest in the knowledge that God is his "pillow" and his "bed." This is a powerful image that suggests both comfort and protection. God wants man to trust in him completely, and to know that he is there to catch him if he falls. The final lines of the poem are a warning to man not to become too proud or self-sufficient, but to always rely on God's grace.
Interpretation
"The Pulley" is a poem that can be read on multiple levels. On the surface, it is a simple narrative about God's relationship with man, and the importance of contentment and trust. However, on a deeper level, the poem reveals Herbert's understanding of the human condition and the nature of faith.
One way to interpret the poem is to see it as a critique of human pride. Herbert suggests that man's desire for more - for riches, fame, and material wealth - is ultimately futile. No matter how much man accumulates, he will never be satisfied. This is because true happiness and fulfillment can only come from a relationship with God. By withholding contentment from man, God is forcing him to recognize his need for something greater than himself.
Another way to interpret the poem is to see it as an exploration of divine providence. Herbert suggests that God is always present in our lives, even when we do not recognize him. He is the "glass of blessings" that is always available to us, and the "pillow" that supports us when we sleep. However, it is our own restlessness and desire for more that sometimes blinds us to God's presence. The poem is a reminder that if we can learn to rest in God, we will find the peace and contentment that we crave.
Finally, we can interpret the poem as a meditation on the nature of faith. Herbert suggests that faith is not something that can be earned or achieved through our own efforts. Rather, it is a gift that God bestows upon us. By withholding contentment from man, God is teaching him to rely on his grace and to trust in his love. Faith, then, is not a matter of knowledge or understanding, but of surrender and trust.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Pulley" is a powerful poem that reveals George Herbert's skill as a religious poet. The poem is a journey that takes us through the highs and lows of human desire, and ultimately leads us to a place of trust and surrender. Through his use of metaphor, imagery, and language, Herbert illuminates the mysteries of faith and invites us to join him on a spiritual journey. Whether we see the poem as a critique of human pride, an exploration of divine providence, or a meditation on the nature of faith, we cannot help but be moved by its beauty and power.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Pulley: A Poem of Divine Restlessness
George Herbert's "The Pulley" is a classic poem that explores the restlessness of the human soul and the divine intervention that brings us to a state of peace. Written in the seventeenth century, the poem is still relevant today, as it speaks to the universal human experience of longing for something more, something beyond ourselves.
The poem begins with the image of a pulley, a mechanical device used to lift heavy objects. Herbert uses this image as a metaphor for God's relationship with humanity. The pulley represents God's love and grace, which lift us up from our earthly concerns and bring us closer to Him.
The first stanza of the poem describes the creation of humanity. God, in His infinite wisdom, created humans with all the blessings of the world. He gave us strength, beauty, wisdom, and wealth. However, there was one thing that God withheld from us: rest. Herbert writes, "Yet let him keep the rest, / But keep them with repining restlessness." This line suggests that God intentionally withheld rest from humanity, knowing that it would create a sense of restlessness within us.
The second stanza of the poem describes the moment when God decides to give humanity rest. He pulls the pulley, and all the blessings that He had given us begin to slip away. The stanza reads, "And made him [man] naked in an unknown land, / Which he after his sinne / His sinne againe, did breake." This line suggests that God took away all the blessings that He had given us, leaving us with nothing but our sin.
The third stanza of the poem describes the moment when God decides to give humanity rest. He pulls the pulley, and all the blessings that He had given us begin to slip away. The stanza reads, "And made him [man] naked in an unknown land, / Which he after his sinne / His sinne againe, did breake." This line suggests that God took away all the blessings that He had given us, leaving us with nothing but our sin.
The fourth stanza of the poem describes the moment when God decides to give humanity rest. He pulls the pulley, and all the blessings that He had given us begin to slip away. The stanza reads, "And made him [man] naked in an unknown land, / Which he after his sinne / His sinne againe, did breake." This line suggests that God took away all the blessings that He had given us, leaving us with nothing but our sin.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem describes the moment when God decides to give humanity rest. He pulls the pulley once more, and this time, He gives us rest. The stanza reads, "Yet let him keep the rest, / But keep them with repining restlessness; / Let him be rich and wearie, that at least, / If goodnesse leade him not, yet wearinesse / May tosse him to my breast." This line suggests that God gives us rest not as a reward for our good deeds, but as a way to bring us closer to Him. He allows us to experience weariness and restlessness so that we may seek Him out and find peace in His embrace.
In conclusion, "The Pulley" is a powerful poem that speaks to the universal human experience of restlessness and the divine intervention that brings us to a state of peace. Herbert's use of the pulley as a metaphor for God's love and grace is both creative and effective. The poem reminds us that even when we feel lost and alone, God is always there, pulling us closer to Him. As we navigate the challenges of life, let us remember the words of this classic poem and seek rest in the loving embrace of our Creator.
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