More Modest, More Manly.

'Tis still observ'd those men most valiant are,
That are most modest ere they come to war.

Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English lyric poet and cleric. He is known for his book of poems, "Hesperides," which includes the carpe diem poem "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time." His works are noted for their clarity, simplicity, and musical quality. Herrick was also a vicar of Dean Prior in Devon, despite being ejected during the English Civil War and later reinstated.

Robert Herrick

To His Tomb-Maker.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

Upon M. William Lawes, The Rare Musician.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

On Fortune.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

To Youth

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

English

Suggested Poems

Explore a curated selection of verses that share themes, styles, and emotional resonance with the poem you've just read.

The More Mighty, The More Merciful.

Who may do most, does least: the bravest will
Show mercy there, where they have power to kill.

Robert Herrick

Of Humility. From Proverbial Philosophy

Vice is grown aweary of her gawds, and donneth russet garments.
Loving for change to walk as a nun, beneath a modest veil:
For Pride hath noted how all admire the fairness of Humility,
And to clutch the praise he coveteth, is content to be drest in hair-cloth;
And wily Lust tempteth the young heart, that is proof against the bravery of harlots.
With timid tears and retiring looks of an artful seeming maid;
And indolent Apathy, sleepily ashamed of his dull lack- lustre face.
Is glad of the livery of meekness, that charitable cloak and cowl;
And Hatred hideth his demon frown beneath a gentle mask;
And Slander, snake like, creepeth in the dust, thinking to escape recrimination.
But the world hath gained somewhat from its years, and is quick to penetrate disguises.
Neither in all these is...

Martin Farquhar Tupper

As Broad As It's Long.

Modest men must needs endure,

And the bold must humbly bow;
Thus thy fate's the same, be sure,

Whether bold or modest thou.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

More Potent, Less Peccant.

He that may sin, sins least: leave to transgress
Enfeebles much the seeds of wickedness.

Robert Herrick

The Christian Militant.

A man prepar'd against all ills to come,
That dares to dead the fire of martyrdom;
That sleeps at home, and sailing there at ease,
Fears not the fierce sedition of the seas;
That's counter-proof against the farm's mishaps,
Undreadful too of courtly thunderclaps;
That wears one face, like heaven, and never shows
A change when fortune either comes or goes;
That keeps his own strong guard in the despite
Of what can hurt by day or harm by night;
That takes and re-delivers every stroke
Of chance (as made up all of rock and oak);
That sighs at others' death, smiles at his own
Most dire and horrid crucifixion.
Who for true glory suffers thus, we grant
Him to be here our Christian militant.

Robert Herrick

Loss From The Least

Great men by small means oft are overthrown;
He's lord of thy life, who contemns his own.

Robert Herrick