Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE QUIP, by GEORGE HERBERT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE QUIP, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The merry world did on a day
Last Line: And then they have their answer home.


THE merrie world did on a day
With his train-bands and mates agree
To meet together, where I lay,
And all in sport to geere at me.

First, Beautie crept into a rose;
Which when I pluckt not, -- Sir, said she,
Tell me, I pray, whose hands are those?
But thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Then Money came; and, chinking still,
What tune is this, poore man? said he:
I heard in Musick you had skill:
But thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Then came brave Glorie puffing by
In silks that whistled, who but he!
He scarce allow'd me half an eie:
But thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Then came quick Wit and Conversation,
And he would needs a comfort be,
And, to be short, make an oration:
But thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

Yet, when the houre of thy designe
To answer these fine things shall come,
Speak not at large; say, I am thine,
And then they have their answer home.





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