TO THE KING, UPON HIS COMING
WITH HIS ARMY INTO THE WEST.

by Robert Herrick

WELCOME, most welcome to our vows and us,
Most great and universal genius!
The drooping west, which hitherto has stood
As one, in long-lamented widowhood,
Looks like a bride now, or a bed of flowers,
Newly refresh'd, both by the sun and showers.
War, which before was horrid, now appears
Lovely in you, brave prince of cavaliers!
A deal of courage in each bosom springs
By your access, O you the best of kings!
Ride on with all white omens ; so that where
Your standard's up, we fix a conquest there.


White, i.e., favourable.

Sir Anthony van Dyck. Charles I on Horseback. c. 1635.
Sir Anthony van Dyck. Charles I on Horseback.
c. 1635. From Web Gallery of Art.


Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol I.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891. 28.


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Created by Anniina Jokinen on October 9, 1998.
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