George Herbert. The Quip.

George Herbert

THE QUIP.
THE merrie world did on a day
With his train-bands and mates agree
To meet together, where I lay,
And all in sport to geere at me.

First, Beautie crept into a rose ;
Which when I pluckt not, Sir, said she,
Tell me, I pray, Whose hands are those ?
But thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Then Money came, and chinking still,
What tune is this, poore man ? said he :
I heard in Musick you had skill :
But thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Then came brave Glorie puffing by
In silks that whistled, who but he !
He scarce allow’d me half an eie :
But thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Then came quick Wit and Conversation,
And he would needs a comfort be,
And, to be short, make an oration :
But thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Yet when the houre of thy designe
To answer these fine things shall come ;
Speak not at large, say, I am thine,
And then they have their answer home.

Source:
The Poetical Works of George Herbert and Reginald Heber.
Edinburgh: Gall & Inglis, nd. 93.

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