Man's Dying-place Uncertain

Man knows where first he ships himself; but he
Never can tell where shall his landing be.

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 M. Denham On His Prospective Poem.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

Another Of The Same. (Obedience.)

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

Comfort To A Lady Upon The Death Of Her Husband.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

To God.

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.

Burial

Man may want land to live in; but for all
Nature finds out some place for burial.

Robert Herrick

Shipwreck.

He who has suffered shipwreck fears to sail
Upon the seas, though with a gentle gale.

Robert Herrick

On Himself.

If that my fate has now fulfill'd my year,
And so soon stopt my longer living here;
What was't, ye gods, a dying man to save,
But while he met with his paternal grave!
Though while we living 'bout the world do roam,
We love to rest in peaceful urns at home,
Where we may snug, and close together lie
By the dead bones of our dear ancestry.

Robert Herrick

Upon His Departure Hence.

Thus I
Pass by,
And die:
As one
Unknown
And gone:
I'm made
A shade,
And laid
I' th' grave:
There have
My cave,
Where tell
I dwell.
Farewell.

Robert Herrick

Never Too Late To Die.

No man comes late unto that place from whence
Never man yet had a regredience.

Robert Herrick

The End Of His Work.

Part of the work remains; one part is past:
And here my ship rides, having anchor cast.

Robert Herrick