Then shall the fall further the flight in me.

Many of you know that my dear husband is writing his dissertation on the poetry of George Herbert (1593–1633). Here's a beautiful little sample of his poetry for this Easter Sunday:

 

 ———————————————

Easter Wings

by George Herbert

Lord, Who createdst man in wealth and store,

Though foolishly he lost the same,
Decaying more and more,
Till he became
  Most poore:

With Thee

O let me rise,
As larks, harmoniously,

And sing this day Thy victories:
Then shall the fall further the flight in me.

My tender age in sorrow did beginne;
And still with sicknesses and shame
  Thou didst so punish sinne,
That I became
Most thinne.

With Thee

Let me combine,
And feel this day Thy victorie;
For, if I imp my wing on Thine,
Affliction shall advance the flight in me.

 ———————————————

Herbert originally published the poem sideways like this:

(See the wings?)