Robert Herrick (1591-1674) has long been known to fame as a writer of some
of the most graceful lyrics in the English language. "Merrie England" has
had many a laughter-loving parson who, peeping over his Book of Common
Prayer, has been unable to resist the temptation to flirt with muses who
have been rather more at home in ballrooms, studios, and old-world taverns
than in the atmosphere of a country parsonage, but that black-garbed
company never sent forth a singer with a lilt so free or a heart so light
as Robert Herrick's.
Of Herrick's life comparatively little is known. He took his degree at
Cambridge in 1620, and in 1629 Charles I made him vicar of Dean Prior, in
Devonshire. From this position he was ousted about the beginning of the
Cromwell regime. He went to London then and published "Hesperides," a book
of verses. There, it is supposed, he lived a bohemian sort of existence
until he was returned to his Dean Prior living by Charles II. He continued
there until he died at the age of eighty-four.
This old-time Devonshire vicar was a great worshiper at the shrine of
feminine beauty, and was a fond lover of his garden and ale-tankard as
well. Like Omar Khayyam, he believed in making hay while the sun shone,
and it is this spirit that pervades the exquisite verses which are
published herewith.
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles to-day,
To-morrow will be dying.
The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
The higher he's a-getting.
The sooner will his race be run,
And nearer he's to setting.
That age is best which is the first,
When youth and blood are warmer:
But being spent the worse and worst
Times still succeed the former.
Then be not coy, but use your time,
And while ye may go marry;
For having lost but once your prime,
You may forever tarry.
The Beginnings of Stage Careers.