George Herbert

George Herbert (1593-1633) wrote one hundred and sixty religious poems under the general title "The Temple." The son of a diplomat, poet, and deist philosopher, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, he pursued distinguished studies at Cambridge. At the age of thirty-seven, he was appointed pastor of Bemerton, Wiltshire, where he passed away three years later. Herbert's theory is that one should dedicate all their talents to the service of God, and that a poet should make the altar bloom with their poems. His verse is noted for its great musicality, and a gentle melancholy pervades his poetry. Herbert does not favor grandiose expressions but uses simple language. He is considered one of the great metaphysical poets following the first metaphysical poet, John Donne. His works include "The Country Parson," a prose piece that serves as an ideal portrait of a good pastor.