Virtue - Herbert

           “Virtue” is one of the most frequently quoted of Herbert’s poems. It exemplifies what is excellent in Herbert’s accomplishment. The poem is notable for its perfect cadence and striking imagery.  It has four stanzas.  It presents a great idea in simple language.  The first three stanzas describe things that are sweet but short-lived.  The last stanza presents the virtuous soul as the only thing that lasts forever.  The poet seeks to say that many things may come and go but morality comes grows and glows.

          In the first stanza the poet says that the day is bright, sweet and cool.  It is pleasant. But the moment night sets in, the day disappears.  And the dew mourns the death of the day.

        The second stanza depicts that the rose is brilliantly red.  It has beautiful looks.  But it is so short-lived that everybody feels sad for it. 

        The third stanza tells us that the spring season that brings all enjoyable things also meets its end very soon.  The charm and the music that accompany the spring season also come to a close as it leaves the scene.

        The poem concludes that the only thing that lives on endlessly is virtue.  Loving thoughts, compassionate words and noble deeds last forever.  Like seasoned wood, it never yields or fails.  Even when the whole world is reduced to ashes, moral excellence continuous to glow brilliantly.