Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO HIS FRIEND, ON THE UNTUNEABLE TIMES by ROBERT HERRICK

Poet Analysis

First Line: PLAY I CO'D ONCE; BUT (GENTLE FRIEND) YOU SEE
Last Line: WITHER'D MY HAND, AND PALSIE-STRUCK MY TONGUE.
Subject(s): GRIEF; SORROW; SADNESS;
Play I co'd once; but (gentle friend) you see
My Harp hung up, here on the Willow tree.
Sing I co'd once; and bravely too enspire
(With luscious Numbers) my melodious Lyre.
Draw I co'd once (although not stocks or stones,
Amphion-like) men made of flesh and bones,
Whether I wo'd; but (ah !) I know not how,
I feele in me, this transmutation now.
Griefe, (my deare friend) has first my Harp unstrung;
Wither'd my hand, and palsie-struck my tongue.



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