THE POET'S GOOD WISHES FOR THE
MOST HOPEFUL AND HANDSOME PRINCE,
THE DUKE OF YORK.

by Robert Herrick

MAY his pretty dukeship grow
like to a rose of Jericho :
Sweeter far than every yet
Showers or sunshines could beget.
May the Graces and the Hours
Strew his hopes and him with flowers :
And so dress him up with love
As to be the chick of Jove.
May the thrice-three sisters sing
Him the sovereign of their spring :
And entitle none to be
Prince of Helicon but he.
May his soft foot, where it treads,
Gardens thence produce and meads :
And those meadows full be set
With the rose and violet.
May his ample name be known
To the last succession :
And his actions high be told
Through the world, but writ in gold.



Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol I.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891. 134.


Backto Works of Robert Herrick

Site copyright ©1996-2000 Anniina Jokinen. All Rights Reserved.
Created by Anniina Jokinen on August 5, 2000.

Background from a tile by Stormi Wallpaper Boutique.