Tudor and Stuart Love Songs — Robert Herrick

JULIA.

Some asked me where the rubies grew, And nothing did I say, But with my finger pointed to The lips of Julia.

Some asked how pearls did grow, and where;

Then spake I to my girl, To part her lips and show me there The quarelets of pearl.

One asked me where the roses grew;

I bade him not go seek, But forthwith bade my Julia show A bud in either cheek.

Robert Herrick.

CHERRY RIPE.

"Cherry ripe, ripe, ripe," I cry, "Full and fair ones--come and buy;"

If so be you ask me where They do grow?

I answer, "There, Where my Julia's lips do smile;"

There's the land, or cherry-isle, Whose plantations fully show All the year where cherries grow!

Robert Herrick.

TO THE VIRGINS.

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying;

And this same flower that smiles to-day, To-morrow will be dying.

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun, The higher he's a-getting, The sooner will his race be run, And nearer he's to setting.

That age is best which is the first, When youth and blood are warmer;

But being spent, the worse and worst Times still succeed the former.

Then be not coy, but use your time, And while ye may, go marry;

For having lost but once your prime, You may for ever tarry.

Robert Herrick.

TO ELECTRA.

I dare not ask a kiss;

I dare not beg a smile;

Lest having that or this, I might grow proud the while.

No, no, the utmost share Of my desire shall be, Only to kiss that air That lately kissed thee.

Robert Herrick.