Robert Herrick, a 17th-century poet, is celebrated for his exquisite romantic poetry. His verses often capture the fleeting beauty of life and the joys and sorrows of love. Below are ten of his most romantic poems, each brimming with passion and timeless charm.
1. "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time"
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles today
Tomorrow will be dying... Read Full Poem
"To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" is one of Herrick's most famous poems, urging readers to seize the day and cherish love while they can. The poem’s message of living in the moment and appreciating love’s fleeting nature is timeless. Herrick uses the imagery of rosebuds and the swift passage of time to convey the urgency of embracing life’s opportunities before they pass. This theme of carpe diem, or "seize the day," is central to the poem, reminding readers that love and beauty are temporary and should be enjoyed to the fullest while they last. The poem's language is both simple and profound, making it accessible yet deeply resonant with anyone who has contemplated the brevity of life and love.
2. "Delight in Disorder"
A sweet disorder in the dress
Kindles in clothes a wantonness:
A lawn about the shoulders thrown
Into a fine distraction;...Read Full Poem
"Delight in Disorder" is a poem that celebrates the imperfections that make love and life beautiful. Herrick’s appreciation for the natural, unpolished aspects of love gives this poem its romantic charm. The poem contrasts the typical pursuit of order and perfection with a celebration of disorder, suggesting that there is a certain charm and allure in things that are slightly askew. Herrick's use of clothing as a metaphor for love and life implies that true beauty often lies in spontaneity and imperfection, rather than in rigid order. This idea challenges the conventional norms of beauty and invites readers to find joy in the unexpected and the imperfect aspects of love.
3. "To Anthea, Who May Command Him Anything"
Bid me to live, and I will live
Thy Protestant to be;
Or bid me love, and I will give
A loving heart to thee...Read Full Poem
In "To Anthea, Who May Command Him Anything," Herrick expresses his complete devotion to his beloved, declaring that he would do anything for her love. This poem captures the essence of selfless, unconditional love. Herrick portrays himself as entirely at the mercy of Anthea's will, willing to live or die according to her wishes. The poem emphasizes the idea of love as a form of willing servitude, where the lover finds joy in fulfilling the desires of the beloved. This self-sacrificing attitude reflects the deep commitment and devotion that characterize true love, making the poem a powerful expression of romantic loyalty and passion.
4. "Upon Julia's Clothes"
Whenas in silks my Julia goes,
Then, then (methinks) how sweetly flows
That liquefaction of her clothes... Read Full Poem
"Upon Julia's Clothes" is a sensuous poem that admires the beauty of Herrick's beloved Julia as she moves gracefully in her silk garments. The poem's vivid imagery and admiration for Julia's elegance make it a classic romantic piece. Herrick's focus on the flowing nature of Julia's clothes suggests a deeper appreciation for the way she embodies grace and beauty. The use of the word "liquefaction" implies a fluidity and softness that enhances Julia's allure, making her presence almost magical in its effect. This poem celebrates not just physical beauty but the captivating power it holds, elevating Julia's simple act of dressing into a moment of transcendent charm.
5. "Corinna's Going A-Maying"
Get up, get up for shame! The blooming morn
Upon her wings presents the god unshorn.
See how Aurora throws her fair
Fresh-quilted colours through the air: ...Read Full Poem
"Corinna's Going A-Maying" invites the reader to join in the joyous celebration of spring and love. Herrick encourages his beloved Corinna to embrace the beauty of life and the pleasures of love, making this poem a joyful ode to romance. The poem is filled with vibrant imagery of springtime, symbolizing renewal and the exuberance of youth. Herrick's invitation to Corinna is not just a call to enjoy the season, but also a reminder to seize the moments of happiness and love that life offers. The poem’s celebratory tone and lively pace mirror the energy and excitement of young love, making it a timeless tribute to the joys of life.
6. "To Daffodils"
Fair Daffodils, we weep to see
You haste away so soon;
As yet the early-rising sun
Has not attained his noon... Read Full Poem
"To Daffodils" is a poignant reflection on the transient nature of beauty and love, using the metaphor of daffodils to symbolize the fleeting moments of life. The poem’s gentle melancholy adds depth to its romantic tone. Herrick mourns the short-lived beauty of the daffodils, comparing their brief existence to the ephemerality of human life and love. The poem serves as a reminder of the inevitability of change and loss, urging readers to appreciate the beauty of the present moment before it fades. The delicate balance between beauty and sadness in this poem highlights the bittersweet nature of love and life, making it a deeply moving piece.
7. "To Electra"
I dare not ask a kiss,
I dare not beg a smile;
Lest having that, or this,
I might grow proud the while... Read Full Poem
"To Electra" is a delicate expression of restrained love, where Herrick humbly admires his beloved from afar. The poem's modesty and gentle tone convey a deep sense of reverence and respect for Electra. Herrick's reluctance to ask for even the smallest token of affection—be it a kiss or a smile—underscores the intensity of his emotions, as he fears that receiving such gestures might lead him to pride. This humility adds to the romantic allure of the poem, emphasizing a love that is pure and selfless. The poem captures the essence of a love that is content with admiration and devotion, even without the fulfillment of physical desires, highlighting the emotional depth and sincerity of Herrick's feelings for Electra.
8. "The Night Piece, to Julia"
Her eyes the glow-worm lend thee,
The shooting stars attend thee;
And the elves also,
Whose little eyes glow,... Read Full Poem
"The Night Piece, to Julia" is a tender and enchanting poem in which Herrick serenades his beloved Julia with a night-time vision filled with glowing imagery. The poem's ethereal atmosphere and romantic imagery make it a perfect example of Herrick's ability to blend romance with the mystical beauty of nature. Herrick personifies elements of the night, such as glow-worms and shooting stars, as companions for Julia, suggesting that even nature conspires to enhance her beauty and protect her as she sleeps. The poem's dreamlike quality and gentle tone create a sense of serene intimacy, making it a soothing and romantic expression of love.
9. "To Sylvia, to Wed"
Let us, though late, at last, my Silvia, wed;
And loving lie in one devoted bed.
Thy watch may stand still here, mine’s half-past run;
Yet not to lose our joys, though aged, are begun... Read Full Poem
"To Sylvia, to Wed" is a passionate plea for marriage, where Herrick, despite the lateness of time, expresses his desire to wed Sylvia and share a devoted life together. The poem conveys a sense of urgency and longing, underscoring the theme of seizing love before it’s too late. Herrick's reference to the passage of time, with Sylvia's watch standing still and his own being "half-past run," suggests the inevitability of aging and the need to embrace love while it is still possible. The poem's plea for commitment and the desire to find joy in a shared life, despite the passage of time, make it a moving and heartfelt expression of mature love.
10. "To Music, to Becalm His Fever"
Charm me asleep, and melt me so
With thy delicious numbers;
That being ravish’d, hence I go
Away in easy slumbers... Read Full Poem
"To Music, to Becalm His Fever" is a soothing and lyrical poem in which Herrick seeks the healing power of music to calm his feverish state. The poem's gentle rhythm and the use of musical imagery evoke a sense of peace and relaxation, making it a fitting conclusion to this collection of romantic poems. Herrick's request to be "charmed" asleep by the "delicious numbers" of music reflects the therapeutic and calming effects that art, particularly music, can have on the human soul. The poem beautifully captures the intersection of art and love, where the soothing power of music becomes a metaphor for the comfort and solace that love can provide in times of distress. This final poem serves as a reminder of the healing and restorative power of love and art, bringing the collection to a serene and satisfying close.
These ten poems by Robert Herrick showcase the depth and variety of his romantic poetry, from passionate pleas and tender serenades to reflections on the fleeting nature of love and beauty. Herrick's mastery of language and imagery ensures that his poems remain timeless expressions of love, capturing the complexities and joys of the human heart.
