Commentary

This is one of Herbert's lesser-known poems, possibly because it is so straightforward and employs few of his usual conceits. On the contrary, it is a model of clarity - he leaves the reader in no doubt about the personal attributes he looks to find in an 'honest man'. And the theme of the poem - constancy (or consistency) recurs in almost every stanza.

Herbert begins by stressing the importance of remaining true to oneself, and having the willpower to resist being unduly influenced by the words and actions of others, whatever the pressures. He acknowledges the many opportunities to prevaricate ('ruffling winds', 'glittering') but urges steadiness and firmness of resolve.

And in the third stanza he deals briefly with one of his pet subjects, affliction, and offers the reader advice about how to face up to life's inevitable problems - assess every adverse situation carefully, manage it calmly and appropriately, and deal fairly with others involved.

The fourth and fifth stanzas concern personal integrity. We all experience temptations, but Herbert encourages firm resistance and a refusal to indulge in any form of dishonesty or deception; he applies this to all our dealings, both seen and unseen. For him, openness and honesty are the keys to a genuinely good life.

Herbert goes on to counsel the reader to be compassionate, and not judge people harshly. While he recognises that we will often be let down by others, and be disappointed by their behaviour, he advises us to keep our temper, make allowances and not overreact.

In the final stanza, he reiterates that consistency, steadfastness and personal rectitude are the hallmarks of his 'honest man'. And, somewhat surprisingly, it is not until the very end of the poem that Herbert mentions religion - the need for prayer that these qualities can be sustained through life.

Of course, the person described in this poem does not exist, and never has. Mankind is fallible, and from time to time the conduct of even the most righteous person will fall below the standards he sets out here. Undoubtedly Herbert was well aware of this but, as in his prose work 'The Country Parson', he considers it 'a mark to aim at'.

As this is one of Herbert's later poems, probably written at a time when it was becoming clear that his secular ambitions were unlikely to be realised, perhaps it also reflects his recognition of the falseness of court life, and his view of the worlds of politics and commerce following his experiences in Parliament and with the Virginia Company. It might even have been a sort of New Year resolution!