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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE SACRIFICE BY WAY OF DISCOURSE BETWIXT HIMSELFE AND JULIA by ROBERT HERRICK

Poet Analysis

First Line: COME AND LET'S IN SOLEMN WISE
Last Line: READE ACCEPTANCE BY THE SMOAKE.

Herr. Come and let's in solemn wise
Both addresse to sacrifice:
Old Religion first commands
That we wash our hearts, and hands.
Is the beast exempt from staine,
Altar cleane, no fire prophane?
Are the Garlands, Is the Nard
Ready here? Jul. All well prepar'd,
With the Wine that must be shed
(Twixt the hornes) upon the head
Of the holy Beast we bring
(For our Trespasse-offering.

Herr. All is well; now next to these
Put we on pure Surplices;
And with Chaplets crown'd, we'l rost
With perfumes the Holocaust:
And (while we the gods invoke)
Reade acceptance by the smoake.



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