THE WORLD by GEORGE HERBERT

LOVE built a stately house; where fortune came:
And, spinning phansies, she was heard to say,
That her fine cobwebs did support the frame,
Whereas they were supported by the same:
But Wisdome quickly swept them all away.

Then Pleasure came, who, liking not the fashion,
Began to make balcones, terraces,
Till she had weakened all by alteration:
But rev'rend laws, and many a proclamation
Reformed all at length with menaces.

Then entered Sinne; and with that sycomore,
Whose leaves first sheltred man from drought and dew,
Working and winding slily evermore,
The inward walls and sommers cleft and tore:
But Grace shor'd these, and cut that as it grew.

Then Sinne combined with Death in a firm band,
To rase the building to the very floore;
Which they effected: none could them withstand.
But Love and Grace took Glorie by the hand,
And built a braver palace then before.

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