Robert Herrick. The Entertainment ; Or, Porch-Verse.

THE ENTERTAINMENT ; OR, PORCH-VERSE, AT

THE MARRIAGE OF MR. HENRY NORTHLY AND

THE MOST WITTY MRS. LETTICE YARD.

by Robert Herrick

WELCOME ! but yet no entrance, till we bless
First you, then you, and both for white success.
Profane no porch, young man and maid, for fear
Ye wrong the threshold-god that keeps peace here :
Please him, and then all good-luck will betide
You, the brisk bridegroom, you, the dainty bride.
Do all things sweetly, and in comely wise ;
Put on your garlands first, then sacrifice :
That done, when both of you have seemly fed,
We'll call on night, to bring ye both to bed :
Where, being laid, all fair signs looking on,
Fish-like, increase then to a million ;
And millions of spring-times may ye have,
Which spent, one death bring to ye both one grave.

White, favourable.

Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol I.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891. 155.

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