Accusation.

If accusation only can draw blood,
None shall be guiltless, be he ne'er so good.

Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English lyric poet and cleric. He is known for his book of poems, "Hesperides," which includes the carpe diem poem "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time." His works are noted for their clarity, simplicity, and musical quality. Herrick was also a vicar of Dean Prior in Devon, despite being ejected during the English Civil War and later reinstated.

Robert Herrick

To His Book.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

The Wounded Cupid

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

To God.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

Single Life Most Secure.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

English

Suggested Poems

Explore a curated selection of verses that share themes, styles, and emotional resonance with the poem you've just read.

His Confession.

Look how our foul days do exceed our fair;
And as our bad, more than our good works are,
E'en so those lines, pen'd by my wanton wit,
Treble the number of these good I've writ.
Things precious are least numerous: men are prone
To do ten bad for one good action.

Robert Herrick

Penitence.

Who after his transgression doth repent,
Is half, or altogether innocent.

Robert Herrick

Evil.

Evil no nature hath; the loss of good
Is that which gives to sin a livelihood.

Robert Herrick

Clemency.

For punishment in war it will suffice
If the chief author of the faction dies;
Let but few smart, but strike a fear through all;
Where the fault springs there let the judgment fall.

Robert Herrick

God's Pardon.

When I shall sin, pardon my trespass here;
For once in hell, none knows remission there.

Robert Herrick

Suspicion Makes Secure.

He that will live of all cares dispossess'd,
Must shun the bad, aye, and suspect the best.

Robert Herrick