George Herbert’s poem ‘Virtue’ is a compact poem on the abstract concept of virtue. Herbert chiefly talks about “a sweet and virtuous soul” that remains forever even if the sweet things of nature are prone to decay and loss. According to the speaker of this piece, virtue is the thing that keeps the good side of the spirit alive. To make this point clear, Herbert uses a few contrasts. Apart from that, this poem is musical and highly structured just like any other poem from the Jacobean era.

1. Virtue
by George Herbert
George Herbert’s poem ‘Virtue’ is a
compact poem on the abstract concept of
virtue. Herbert chiefly talks about “a sweet
and virtuous soul” that remains forever
even if the sweet things of nature are prone
to decay and loss. According to the speaker
of this piece, virtue is the thing that keeps
the good side of the spirit alive. To make
this point clear, Herbert uses a few
contrasts. Apart from that, this poem is
musical and highly structured just like any
other poem from the Jacobean era.