Acquaintance with the poem

Virtue

The poem 'Virtue' is written by George Herbert. He was a metaphysical poet. He is recognised as "one of the foremost British devotional lyricists." His witty approach to the subject is very interesting.

'Virtue' is a fine little poem. It centers round the idea that everything in this world is perishable.

In this poem the poet takes three examples from the stock of nature : a fine day, a beautiful rose and a sweet spring. The first example of a fine day is cloudless, fogless and bright with sun. It is so fine that it appears that the earth and the sky are going to be married. But the must go and the night shall come. The fall of dew drops appear like the tears shed on the death of so fine a day. Rose is the second example of beauty. It's colour is bold and atractive that appears to defy death. But the poet reminded of the fact that its root are in the earth, a partial grave, and it must also die. Spring is a combination of good days and and sweet roses. It is like a box where beauties are packed together. Yet the knowledge of seasons forces the poet to believe that it will have its end, too. And what else is there that will not die ?

The concluding stanzas asserts that virtue alone is immortal. It is like a seasoned timber which survives the onslaught to time. Though the entire world may be reduced to coal yet the timber will escape decay. Likewise the various soul of a man outlives the process of decay.

It is a short lyric noted for its witty and argumentative style. A very fine logical development of argument is noticeable. In this poem , the interference moves from particular to general, the deductive process. altogether, the poem is very effective and clear in its artistic beauty.