George Herbert

Born in 1593, he was an English poet, orator, and priest. His major work, 'The Temple' (1633), includes poems such as 'The Altar', 'Easter Wings', and 'Love (III)'. The collection reflects his spiritual struggles and devotion. His poetry combines intense religious feeling with intellectual conceits. He frequently employed visual shapes, as in the pattern poems 'The Altar' and 'Easter Wings'. Common themes include divine love, sacrifice, and human frailty. His plain yet rhythmic language often turns on paradox and quiet resolution. Alongside John Donne, he is a leading figure of the metaphysical poets. His work influenced later devotional verse and is widely anthologized.