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Redemption

Herbert, George (1593 - 1633)

Original Text: 
George Herbert, The temple. Sacred poems and private ejaculations, edited by N. Ferrar (Cambridge: T. Buck and R. Daniel, 1633), 31-32. STC 13183. Facs. edn. Menston: Scolar Press, 1968. PR 3507 T45 1633A.
1Having been tenant long to a rich Lord,
2          Not thriving, I resolved to be bold,
3          And make a suit unto him, to afford
4A new small-rented lease, and cancell th' old.
5In heaven at his manour I him sought:
6          They told me there, that he was lately gone
7          About some land, which he had dearly bought
8Long since on earth, to take possession.
9I straight return'd, and knowing his great birth,
10          Sought him accordingly in great resorts;
11          In cities, theatres, gardens, parks, and courts:
12At length I heard a ragged noise and mirth
13          Of theeves and murderers: there I him espied,
14          Who straight, Your suit is granted, said, & died.

Notes

3] make a suit unto him: make a request of him. The phrase is usually used for matters of finance or love. Back to Line
4] small-rented lease: presumably, a lease whose requirements are not difficult to meet, as with low financial payments Back to Line
6] lately: recently Back to Line
7] dearly bought: paid a great price for Back to Line
9] straight: without delay Back to Line
12] ragged: The Oxford English Dictionary quotes this poem as an example of the use of "ragged" to mean harsh or discordant. Back to Line
Publication Start Year: 
1633
RPO poem Editors: 
Marc R. Plamondon
RPO Edition: 
2006
Rhyme: 
abab cdcd effe gg
Form: 
sonnet