George Herbert (1593-1633) is often considered to be one of the “metaphysical poets,” and his work is prized for its portrayal of religious devotion, as well as its ingenious formal devices. Many of his works are “pattern poems,” which use lines of varying length to form shapes on the page.

After a brief career in politics, Herbert took holy orders and spent the rest of his life as a rector in Salisbury, where he was much esteemed. He died of tuberculosis.