It was not until after the sixteenth century that the Reformation from central Europe initiated in English poetry new trends characterized not so much by historical commitment as by a strong allegorical lyricism resulting in a metaphorical religion of the Book. Not only did the Bible become the natural cornerstone of any poetry – the poet as a new psalmist starting an amazingly casual dia logue with God – but this poetry consequently developed into an articulate celebration of the Word, while poetic writing kept combining Spirit and wit into ever more elaborate conceits of the Book.