Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, JORDAN (1), by GEORGE HERBERT



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

JORDAN (1), by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Who says that fictions only and false hair
Last Line: Who plainly say, my god, my king.
Subject(s): Jordan River; Truth; Worship


Who says that fictions only and false hair
Become a verse? Is there in truth no beauty?
Is all good structure in a winding stair?
May no lines pass, except they do their duty
Not to a true, but painted chair?

Is it no verse, except enchanted groves
And sudden arbors shadow coarse-spun lines?
Must purling streams refresh a lover's loves?
Must all be veiled while he that reads, divines,
Catching the sense at two removes?

Shepherds are honest people; let them sing:
Riddle who list, for me, and pull for prime:
I envy no man's nightingale or spring;
Nor let them punish me with loss of rhyme,
Who plainly say, My God, My King.




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