The Pulley, George Herbert

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When God at first made man,

Having a glass of blessings standing by,

Let us (said he) pour on him all we can:

Let the world's riches, which dispersed lie,

Contract into a span.

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So strength first made a way;

Then beauty flow'd then wisdom, honour, pleasure:

When almost all was out, God made a stay,

Perceiving that alone of all his treasure

Rest in the bottom lay.

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For if I should (said he)

Bestow this jewel also on my creature,

He would adore his gifts in stead of me,

And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature.

So both should losers be.

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Yet let him keep the rest,

But keep them with repining restlessness:

Let him be rich and weary, that at least,

If goodness lead him not, yet weariness

May toss him to my breast.

Source: Poems & Biography of George Herbert