Things Of Choice Long A-Coming.

We pray 'gainst war, yet we enjoy no peace;
Desire deferr'd is that it may increase.

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

Upon Teage.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

The Poor's Portion.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

A Pastoral Sung To The King: Montano, Silvio, And Mirtillo, Shepherds.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

To The Generous Reader.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

English

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Long-Looked-For Comes At Last.

Though long it be, years may repay the debt;
None loseth that which he in time may get.

Robert Herrick

God's Gifts Not Soon Granted.

God hears us when we pray, but yet defers
His gifts, to exercise petitioners;
And though a while He makes requesters stay,
With princely hand He'll recompense delay.

Robert Herrick

To His Dear God.

    I'll hope no more
For things that will not come;
And if they do, they prove but cumbersome.
    Wealth brings much woe;
And, since it fortunes so,
'Tis better to be poor
    Than so t' abound
    As to be drown'd
Or overwhelm'd with store.

    Pale care, avaunt!
I'll learn to be content
With that small stock Thy bounty gave or lent.
    What may conduce
To my most healthful use,
Almighty God, me grant;
    But that, or this,
    That hurtful is,
Deny Thy suppliant.

Robert Herrick

Possessions.

Those possessions short-liv'd are,
Into the which we come by war.

Robert Herrick

On Love.

That love 'twixt men does ever longest last
Where war and peace the dice by turns do cast.

Robert Herrick

Sufferance.

In the hope of ease to come,
Let's endure one martyrdom.

Robert Herrick