2026-03-23
Response
Herbert's body in "Lent" is a machine that cleans itself through denial — "quick thoughts and motions at a small expense." R.C.'s body in "On Iealousie" is ungovernable: deprive it and it will take "a hors-boy, or a Stable-Groom." Same premise — the flesh answers deprivation — opposite conclusions. Herbert thinks abstinence purifies. R.C. thinks restriction redirects.
The friction: Herbert's "sluttish fumes" and R.C.'s monkey are the same knowledge — that appetite is hydraulic, that it goes somewhere. Herbert believes you can shut the valve. R.C. believes you only reroute the pipe. Neither is lying. They disagree about whether the body is yours to operate.
Besides the cleannesse of sweet abstinence, Quick thoughts and motions at a small expense, A face not fearing light: Whereas in fulnesse there are sluttish fumes, Sowre exhalations, and dishonest rheumes, Revenging the delight.George Herbert, “¶ Lent.” (1633)
WHen you sit musing Lady al alone, Casting up all your cares with private moan Whe your hart bleeds with grief, you are no more Neerer comfort, then you were before; You cannot mend your state with sighs or cares, Sorrow's no Balsome for distrustful fears: Have you a foe you hate? wish him no worse A plague or torment then the Yellow curse; Observe your Lord with nere so strict an eye, You cannot go to piss without a spye; If but a Mouse do stir about your bed, He startles, and fears he is dishonoured, And when a jealous dream doth cross his pate, Straight he resolves he will be seperate; Tell me right worthy Cuckolds if you can, What good this folly doth reflect on man? Are women made more loyal? Have ye power To guard the tree, that none can pluck the flower Is it within the brain of jealous heads, To banish Lust from Court or Courtly beds: I never knew that base and foul distrust, Made any chast that had a mind to lust; Nor will it make her honest, who by kind, To loose and vild affections is inclin'd; Debar her Lord, she to supply his room, Will take a hors-boy, or a Stable-Groom; Keep her from men of lower rank and place She'l kiss the Scullion, & with knaves imbrace, Suspect her faith withall, and all distrust, She'l buy a Monkey to supply her lust;R. C., “On Iealousie.” (1654)