George Herbert


THE QUIDDITY
by George Herbert


MY God, a verse is not a crown,
No point of honour, or gay suit,
No hawk, or banquet, or renown,
    Nor a good sword, nor yet a lute.

It cannot vault, or dance, or play ;
    It never was in France or Spain ;
Nor can it entertain the day
    With a great stable or domain.

It is no office, art, or news ;
    Nor the Exchange, or busy Hall :
But it is that which, while I use,
    I am with Thee : and Most take all.

Source:
Herbert, George. The Poems of George Herbert. Ernest Rhys, ed.
London: Walter Scott, 1886. 64.

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