Robert Herrick. To Primroses Filled With Morning Dew.

TO PRIMROSES FILLED WITH MORNING DEW.
by Robert Herrick

WHY do ye weep, sweet babes ? can tears
   Speak grief in you,
   Who were but born
   Just as the modest morn
   Teem'd her refreshing dew ?
   Alas ! you have not known that shower
   That mars a flower,
   Nor felt th' unkind
   Breath of a blasting wind,
   Nor are ye worn with years,
   Or warp'd as we,
   Who think it strange to see
Such pretty flowers, like to orphans young,
To speak thy tears before ye have a tongue.

Speak, whimp'ring younglings, and make known
   The reason why
   Ye droop and weep ;
   Is it for want of sleep ?
   Or childish lullaby ?
   Or that ye have not seen as yet
   The violet ?
   Or brought a kiss
   From that sweetheart to this ?
   No, no, this sorrow shown
   By your tears shed
   Would have this lecture read :
That things of greatest, so of meanest worth,
Conceiv'd with grief are, and with tears brought forth.

Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol I.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891. 129-130.

to Works of Robert Herrick