| Herbert J.C. Grierson, ed. (1886–1960). Metaphysical Lyrics & Poems of the 17th C. 1921. |
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| George Herbert |
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| 87. The Church-floore |
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| MARK you the floore? that square & speckled stone, | |
| Which looks so firm and strong, | |
| Is Patience: | |
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| And th' other black and grave, wherewith each one | |
| Is checker'd all along, | 5 |
| Humilitie: | |
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| The gentle rising, which on either hand | |
| Leads to the Quire above, | |
| Is Confidence: | |
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| But the sweet cement, which in one sure band | 10 |
| Ties the whole frame, is Love | |
| And Charitie. | |
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| Hither sometimes Sinne steals, and stains | |
| The marbles neat and curious veins: | |
| But all is cleansed when the marble weeps. | 15 |
| Sometimes Death, puffing at the doore, | |
| Blows all the dust about the floore: | |
| But while he thinks to spoil the room, he sweeps. | |
| Blest be the Architect, whose art | |
| Could build so strong in a weak heart. | 20 |
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