Quotes by George Herbert

About George Herbert:

George Herbert is associated with the writings of the metaphysical poets, and he is recognized as "a pivotal figure: enormously popular, deeply and broadly influential, and arguably the most skilful and important British devotional lyricist."
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Be calm in arguing: for fierceness makes Error a fault, and truth discourtesy.

George Herbert

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?

George Herbert

Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright, The bridal of the earth and sky; The dew shall weep thy fall tonight, For thou must die.

George Herbert

Man is no star, but a quick coal Of mortal fire: Who blows it not, nor doth control A faint desire,

George Herbert

Sometimes the best gain is to lose.

George Herbert

Living well is the best revenge.

George Herbert

The best mirror is an old friend.

George Herbert

He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven; for everyone has need to be forgiven.

George Herbert

One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.

George Herbert

Good words are worth much, and cost little.

George Herbert

In conversation, humor is worth more than wit and easiness more than knowledge.

George Herbert

There would be no great men if there were no little ones.

George Herbert

There is great force hidden in a gentle command.

George Herbert

A man of great memory without learning hath a rock and a spindle and no staff to spin.

George Herbert

Hell is full of good meanings and wishings.

George Herbert

Take all that is given whether wealth, love or language, nothing comes by mistake and with good digestion all can be turned to health.

George Herbert

Read as you taste fruit or savor wine, or enjoy friendship, love or life.

George Herbert

Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night.

George Herbert

Throw away thy rod, throw away thy wrath; O my God, take the gentle path.

George Herbert

Life is half spent before we know what it is.

George Herbert

Author Bio

  • NameGeorge Herbert
  • DescriptionWelsh-born English poet, orator and Anglican priest
  • BornApril 3, 1593
  • DiedMarch 1, 1633
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • ProfessionPriest; Poet; Author; Cleric