Robert Herrick

A Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick was a 17th century English poet. Herrick began as an apprentice to a jeweler before attending college. In 1627 he took his orders and became chaplain to the Duke of Buckingham. He then became a vicar in Devon where he lived for 31 years writing some of his best poetry. When the English Civil War broke out he lost his position, since he refused to pledge to the Solemn League and Covenant. He returned to London living off the charity of his friends and spent his time preparing his lyric poems for publication. When Charles became king Herrick returned to his post. His poetry themes were English country life, village customs, complimentary poems to various ladies and his friends, themes taken from classical writings and Christian faith.