THE ARGUMENT OF HIS BOOK-HESPERIDES

                                                    ROBERT HERRICK (1591-1674)

 

 

I sing of brooks, of blossoms, birds and bowers,

Of April, May, of June and July Rowers;

I sing of May-poles, hock-carts, wassails, wakes,

Of bridegrooms, brides, and of their bridal cakes;

I write of youth, of love, and have access

By these to sing of cleanly wantonness;

I sing of dews, of rains, and, piece by piece,

Of balm, of oil, of spice and ambergris;

I sing of times trans-shifting, and I write

How roses first came red, and lilies white;

 

I write of groves, of twilights, and I sing

The court of Mab, and of the Fairy King;

I write of hell; I sing (and ever shall)

Of heaven, and hope to have it after all.