Five Lyics of Robert Herrick

Love, like a beggar came to me
With hose and doublet torn;
His shirt bedangling from his knee,
With hat and shoes outworn.

He asked an alms; I gave him bread,
And meat too for his need,
Of which, when he had fully fed,
He wished me all good speed.

Away he went, but as he turned,
In faith I know not how,
He touched me so, as that I burned
And am tormented now.

Love's silent flames and fires obscure
Then crept into my heart;
And though I saw no bow, I'm sure
His finger was the dart.

Here she lies, in bed of spice,
Fair as Eve in Paradise
For her beauty was such
Poets could not praise too much.
Virgins come, and in a ring
Her supremest requiem sing.
Then depart but see ye tread
Lightly, lightly o'er the dead.

Let's now take our time
While we're in our prime,
And old, old age is afar off:
For the evil, evil days
Will come on apace,
Before we can be aware of.

I dare not ask a kiss,
    I dare not beg a smile,
Lest having that, or this,
    I might grow proud the while.

No, no, the utmost share
    Of my desire shall be
Only to kiss that air
    That lately kissed thee.

Welcome, maids-of-honour!
You do bring
In the spring,
And wait upon her.

She has virgins many,
Fresh and fair;
Yet you are
More sweet than any.

You're the maiden posies,
And so grac'd
To be plac'd
'Fore damask roses.

Yet, though thus respected,
By-and-by
Ye do lie,
Poor girls, neglected.