Robert Herrick
Biography
Robert Herrick (1591–1674) was a prominent English lyric poet and a leading figure among the Cavalier poets. Born in London, he was the seventh child of a prosperous goldsmith. After an apprenticeship, he attended St John's College, Cambridge, and later Trinity Hall, graduating in 1617. Ordained as a priest, he served as vicar of Dean Prior in Devonshire from 1629 until he was ejected by Parliament in 1647 due to his Royalist sympathies. During his time in rural Devon, he penned many of his pastoral and lyrical poems, often inspired by local customs and nature. He returned to his living in 1660 after the Restoration of the monarchy. His vast body of work, comprising over 2,500 poems, was largely collected in his only published volume, "Hesperides" (1648), which also included his spiritual poems, "Noble Numbers". Herrick's poetry is characterized by its classical influences, celebration of worldly pleasures, and underlying melancholy regarding the fleeting nature of life.
Selected Thoughts
«Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, / Old Time is still a-flying; / And this same flower that smiles today / Tomorrow will be dying.»
«I write of groves, of twilights, and of bowers, / Of sweet Coelestials, and of fading flowers.»
«A sweet disorder in the dress / Kindles in clothes a wantonness.»
Writing Style
Robert Herrick's writing style is primarily characterized by its lyrical grace, conciseness, and classical elegance. He was a master of the short, carefully crafted poem, often employing epigrammatic wit and precise imagery. His verse is typically smooth, musical, and accessible, drawing heavily on classical Roman poets like Catullus and Horace. He often used regular meters and clear rhyme schemes, making his poems both pleasing to the ear and memorable. His style is marked by a blend of pagan sensuality and Christian morality, frequently celebrating nature, love, and the joys of life while simultaneously acknowledging the inevitability of death and the need for spiritual preparation.