The Habit of Perfection by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Gerard Manley Hopkins 1844-1889, most religiously committed of the Victorian poets.

THE HABIT OF PERFECTION

ELECTED Silence, sing to me
And beat upon my whorlèd ear,
Pipe me to pastures still and be
The music that I care to hear.

Shape nothing, lips; be lovely-dumb:
It is the shut, the curfew sent
From there where all surrenders come
Which only makes you eloquent.

Be shellèd, eyes, with double dark
And find the uncreated light:
This ruck and reel which you remark
Coils, keeps, and teases simple sight.

Palate, the hutch of tasty lust,
Desire not to be rinsed with wine:
The can must be so sweet, the crust
So fresh that come in fasts divine!

Nostrils, your careless breath that spend
Upon the stir and keep of pride,
What relish shall the censers send
Along the sanctuary side!

O feel-of-primrose hands, O feet
That want the yield of plushy sward,
But you shall walk the golden street
And you unhouse and house the Lord.

And, Poverty, be thou the bride
And now the marriage feast begun,
And lily-coloured clothes provide
Your spouse not laboured-at nor spun.

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• Gerard
• Manley
• Hopkins
• The
• Habit
• of
• Perfection
• Charles
• Bryant
• Religious
• Verse

[mynamesjimmyg]

could you please put the words for the poem in the description? thanks

what an amazing work of art

[brychar66]

There you go Jimmy - yes it is amazing :)

[anticubbins]

Splendid reading. Would you be kind enough to do a reading of "Binsey Poplars" or "God's Grandeur" from Hopkins? I agree with Homelyhobbit's comment.

[brychar66]

I will bear your request in mind. Thanks for writing!

[homelyhobbit]

This is among the best readings of poetry I've seen on youtube. Your style reminds me of W.B. Yeats' "elevated chant."

[brychar66]

thank you dear Hobbit - I think I had a cold at the time, but Hopkins is so musical always.

[ducklingcz]

you should know that there is a beautiful album created with his poems by young singer Maria Hoffmann and distinguished fiddle player Jan Hruby....

[mynamesjimmyg]

wow that was quick :O

thanks a lot :D i might have to do this one next year so thats a big help :)