Henry Charles Beeching, ed. (1859–1919). Lyra Sacra: A Book of Religious Verse. 1903.

By George Herbert (1593–1633)

Church Music


SWEETEST 1 of sweets, I thank you: when displeasure
Did through my body wound my mind,
You took me thence, and in your house of pleasure
A dainty lodging me assign’d.

Now I in you without a body move,	5
Rising and falling with your wings:
We both together sweetly live and love,
Yet say sometimes, God help poor Kings.

Comfort, I’ll die; for if you post from me,
Sure I shall do so, and much more:	10
But if I travel in your company,
You know the way to heaven’s door.

Note 1. The date of Herbert’s residence at Bemerton was 1630–33, so that the reference in line 8 is probably to the growing discontent of the Puritan party. The last stanza means, It consoles me to know I shall die before the worst of the troubles: for as it is I shall be comforted with church music on my dying bed; if it were forbidden, my loss would be great, for it is the usher to the door of heaven. [back]

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