The Agony
Philosophers have measured mountains,
Fathomed the depths of seas, of states, and kings,
Walked with a staff to heaven, and traced fountains:
But there are two vast, spacious things
The which to measure it doth more behoove:
Yet few there are that sound them: Sin and Love.
Who would know Sin, let him repair
Unto Mount Olivet; there shall he see
A man so wrung with pains that all his hair,
His skin, his garments bloody be.
Sin is that press and vice, that forceth pain
To hunt his cruel food through every vein.
Who knows not Love, let him assay
And taste that juice, which on the cross a pike
Did set again abroach; then let him say
If ever he did taste the like.
Love is that liquor sweet and most divine
Which my God feels as blood; but I, as wine.
--George Herbert (1593-1633)
What an amazing, beautiful, powerful poem. I'm thankful to have found it posted yesterday on TitusOneNine, which has been posting poetry, prayers and meditations since Maundy Thursday.
2 comments:
Thank you for posting this. George Herbert is such a fine poet; I spent much time reading and re-reading his poetry as an English major.
You're quite welcome! I love George Herbert's poetry too, but I wasn't very familiar with this one...it felt like a real gift to discover it this Easter season.
Thanks for visiting!
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