Robert Herrick was a 17th-century poet whose work was finally recognized in the 20th century. It was, in the past, condemned for its sexual subject matter. For example, ‘To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time’ which is now considered a classic of the period. Read more of Robert Herrick’s Biography.
‘Corinna’s Going A-Maying’ is a carpe diem (Latin for “seize the day”) poem in which the speaker urges his beloved, Corinna, to arise from bed and join him in the festivities of May Day already in progress.
Get up, get up for shame, the Blooming Morne
Upon her wings presents the god unshorne.
See how Aurora throwes her faire
Fresh-quilted colours through the aire:
‘Upon Julia’s Face’ by Robert Herrick is beautiful poem that tries to capture the speaker’s adoration for the voice of a woman they love and admire.
So smooth, so sweet, so silv'ry is thy voice,
As, could they hear, the damn'd would make no noise,
But listen to thee, walking in thy chamber,
Melting melodious words to lutes of amber.
‘No Man Without Money’ by Robert Herrick is a short poem that lucidly voices the belief that people only succeed because of chance and circumstance.
No man such rare parts hath, that he can swim,
If favour or occasion help not him.
‘The Hag’ by Robert Herrick is short poem that imagines with haunting detail a witch’s emergence into the night.
The Hag is astride,
This night for to ride;
The Devill and shee together:
Through thick, and through thin,
‘To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time’ describes a speaker’s beliefs about impact of time on a woman’s life and the value of beauty.
‘Why Flowers Change Color’ by Robert Herrick is a short poem that speaks about virginity, virgins, and the reason that flowers change colors. The poem is often interpreted in different ways due to the few details Herrick provides in the four lines.
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