George herbert quotes

George Herbert Biography

George Herbert (1593–1633) wrote some of the most beautiful and accessible poetry of the 17th century — yet even today, his poems offer unique spiritual insights.

Learn more about this poet in the biography below, and read some of his poetry hosted by Excellence in Literature.

HERBERT, GEORGE (1593–1633), poet, born at Montgomery Castle on 3 April 1593, was fourth son of Sir Richard Herbert, by his wife Magdalen, and was brother of Edward, lord Herbert of Cherbury [q.

v.], of Sir Henry Herbert [q. v.], and of Thomas Herbert [q. v.] [For an account of his mother and other members of his family see under Herbert, Edward, Lord Herbert of Cherbury.]

As a child he was educated at home under the care of his mother, whose virtues he commemorated in verse, and he may have accompanied her in 1598 to Oxford, whither she went for four years to keep house for her eldest son, Edward.

In his twelfth year (1604-5) George was sent to Westm