Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO HIS PECULIAR FRIEND, MR. JOHN WICKS by ROBERT HERRICK

Poet Analysis

First Line: SINCE SHED OR COTTAGE I HAVE NONE
Last Line: ONE THAT SHOULD DROP HIS BEADS FOR THEE.

SINCE shed or cottage I have none,
I sing the more that thou hast one,
To whose glad threshold and free door
I may a poet come, though poor,
And eat with thee a savoury bit,
Paying but common thanks for it.
Yet should I chance, my Wicks, to see
An over-leaven look in thee.
To sour the bread, and turn the beer
To an exalted vinegar;
Or shouldst thou prize me as a dish
Of thrice boifed worts, or third day's fish,
I'd rather hungry go and come
Than to thy house be burdensome:
Yet in my depth of grief I'd be
One that should drop his beads for thee.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net