Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO MY REVEREND FRIEND, by IZAAK WALTON


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO MY REVEREND FRIEND, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I loved you for your synagogue before
Last Line: "the fountains of such sacred wit and art."
Alternate Author Name(s): Walton, Isaac
Subject(s): Harvey, Christopher (1597-1663)


I loved you for your Synagogue before
I knew your person; but now love you more;
Because I find
It is so true a picture of your mind;
Which tunes your sacred lyre
To that eternal quire,
Where holy Herbert sits
(O shame to profane wits!)
And sings his and your anthems, to the praise
Of Him that is the First and Last of days.

These holy hymns had an ethereal birth;
For they can raise sad souls above the earth,
And fix them there,
Free from the world's anxieties and fear.
Herbert and you have pow'r
To do this; ev'ry hour
I read you, kills a sin
Or lets a virtue in
To fight against it; and the Holy Ghost
Supports my frailties, lest the day be lost.

This holy war, taught by your happy pen,
The Prince of Peace approves. When we poor men
Neglect our arms,
We are circumvested with a world of harms.
But I will watch and ward,
And stand upon my guard;
And still consult with you
And Herbert, and renew
My vows and say, "Well fare his and your heart,
The fountains of such sacred wit and art."





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net