Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"On George Herbert's Book, The Temple, Sent to a Gentlewoman" is a poem by Richard Crashaw, an English poet who lived in the 17th century. The poem is a tribute to the work of George Herbert, a contemporary poet and Anglican priest who was known for his devotional poetry.

In this poem, Crashaw praises Herbert's book "The Temple," which is a collection of religious poems, and sends it as a gift to a gentlewoman. He admires the spiritual depth and beauty of Herbert's poetry, describing it as "a cabinet of rich and royal worth" and "a temple where the holy one / Hath set his sacred throne."

The poem also contains references to classical mythology and imagery, such as the comparison of Herbert's poetry to "Venus' girdle," which suggests that it possesses both beauty and power.

In terms of structure, the poem is organized into three stanzas of six lines each. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, which creates a musical and flowing effect. The language is rich and ornate, with frequent use of alliteration and metaphor, which adds to the poem's beauty and complexity.

Overall, "On George Herbert's Book, The Temple, Sent to a Gentlewoman" is a tribute to the power and beauty of religious poetry, as well as a celebration of the work of George Herbert. It reflects the strong religious and literary traditions of the 17th century, and the deep admiration that poets of that era had for one another's work.

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