When he would have his Verses Read

When he would have his Verses Read

Original Text
Robert Herrick, Hesperides (London: for John Williams and F. Eglesfield to be sold by Thomas Hunt, 1648), of which a section called "His Noble Numbers: or, his Pious Pieces" has a separate title-page dated 1647. Facs. edn. Menston: Scolar, 1969. PR 3512 H4 1648A ROBA
1In sober mornings do thou not rehearse
2The holy incantation of a verse;
3But when that men have both well drunk, and fed,
4Let my enchantments then be sung, or read.
5When laurel spurts i' th' fire, and when the hearth
6Smiles to itself, and gilds the roof with mirth;
9When the rose reigns, and locks with ointments shine,

Notes

7] thyrse. "A javelin twin'd with ivy'' (Herrick's note). Back to Line
8] sacred orgies: "songs to Bacchus'' (Herrick's note). Back to Line
10] rigid Cato: Marcus Cato (234-139 B.C.) Roman statesman, called "the Censor," and famous for the moral severity of his character and conduct. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1648
RPO poem Editors
N. J. Endicott
RPO Edition
3RP 1.196.