Herbert, George

George (1593-1632), an English clergyman and poet. He was born at Montgomery Castle, Wales. He was of noble family and much was expected of him. He received his education at Cambridge, and, after taking an M. A. degree, was elected fellow. He was a favorite at court and seemed rapidly rising when misfortunes occurred. His health failed and the friends upon whose influence he depended died. Herbert suddenly decided to enter the church. He was given the living at Bemerton, near Salisbury, where he lived a zealous and faithful pastor until his death. He was a modest man of great decision of character and of a courteous and gentle manner which won him many friends. When on his deathbed he asked a friend to examine his poems and to burn them, unless he thought they might be of advantage to "any poor, dejected soul." The poems were published under the title of The Temple. They are short, simple, earnest, religious poems. Herbert was also the author of several prose works.