by George Herbert (1593 - 1633)
Paradise
Language: English
I bless thee, Lord, because I grow Among thy trees, which in a row To thee both fruit and order ow. What open force, or hidden charm Can blast my fruit, or bring me harm, While the inclosure is thine arm. Inclose me still for fear I start. Be to me rather sharp and tart, Then let me want thy hand and art. When thou dost greater judgments spare, And with thy knife but prune and pare, Ev'n fruitfull trees more fruitful are. Such sharpnes shows the sweetest frend: Such cuttings rather heal then rend: And such beginnings touch their end.
Authorship:
- by George Herbert (1593 - 1633), "Paradise", appears in The Temple, first published 1633 [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Leslie R. Bassett (b. 1923), "Paradise", 1953, published c1957, first performed 1953 [high voice and piano], from Four Songs, no. 1, NY : American Composers Alliance [text not verified]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2011-01-05
Line count: 15
Word count: 101