The Quip

T

George Herbert

The merry world did on a day

With his train-bands and mates agree

To meet together where I lay,

And all in sport to jeer at me.

First beauty crept into a rose,

Which when I pluck'd 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, poor man?" said he;

"I heard in music you had skill:"

But Thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Then came brave Glory puffing by

In silks that whistled, who but he?

He scarce allow'd me half an eye:

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 hour of Thy design

To answer these fine things shall come,

Speak not at large, say, I am Thine;

And then they have their answer home.

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