Upon Lungs. Epig.

Lungs, as some say, ne'er sets him down to eat
But that his breath does fly-blow all the meat.

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 Book (2)

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

The Bedman, Or Gravemaker.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

To Bianca, To Bless Him.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

Upon Himself

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.

Upon Linnet. Epig.

Linnet plays rarely on the lute, we know;
And sweetly sings, but yet his breath says no.

Robert Herrick

Upon A Sour-Breath Lady. Epig.

Fie, quoth my lady, what a stink is here?
When 'twas her breath that was the carrionere.

Robert Herrick

Upon Lulls.

Lulls swears he is all heart; but you'll suppose
By his proboscis that he is all nose.

Robert Herrick

Upon Skoles. Epig.

Skoles stinks so deadly, that his breeches loath
His dampish buttocks furthermore to clothe;
Cloy'd they are up with arse; but hope, one blast
Will whirl about, and blow them thence at last.

Robert Herrick

Upon Skinns. Epig.

Skinns, he dined well to-day: how do you think?
His nails they were his meat, his rheum the drink.

Robert Herrick

Upon Luggs. Epig.

Luggs, by the condemnation of the Bench,
Was lately whipt for lying with a wench.
Thus pains and pleasures turn by turn succeed:
He smarts at last who does not first take heed.

Robert Herrick