How The Wall-Flower Came First, And Why So Called.

Why this flower is now call'd so,
List, sweet maids, and you shall know.
Understand, this firstling was
Once a brisk and bonnie lass,
Kept as close as Danaë was:
Who a sprightly springall lov'd,
And to have it fully prov'd,
Up she got upon a wall,
Tempting down to slide withal:
But the silken twist untied,
So she fell, and, bruis'd, she died.
Love, in pity of the deed,
And her loving-luckless speed,
Turn'd her to this plant we call
Now the flower of the wall.

Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English lyric poet and cleric. He is known for his book of poems, "Hesperides," which includes the carpe diem poem "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time." His works are noted for their clarity, simplicity, and musical quality. Herrick was also a vicar of Dean Prior in Devon, despite being ejected during the English Civil War and later reinstated.

Robert Herrick

Upon Gryll.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

Upon Umber.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

Youth And Age.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

On Joan.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

English

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In the first rare spring of song,
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Pleasures newly found are sweet
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I have not a doubt but he,
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In an old world garden dreaming,
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Ere the dew from the grass has gone,

The Four Seasons' flight forgetting,
As they dance round the dial stone;

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Ask me why I send you here
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Ask me why I send to you
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The Mad Maid's Song
Good morrow to the day so fair;
Good morning, sir, to you;
Good morrow to mine own torn hair,
Bedabbled with the dew.

Good morning to this primrose too;
Good morrow to each maid;
That will with flowers the tomb bestrew
Wherein my Love is laid.

Ah!woe is me, woe, woe is me,
Alack and well-a-day!
For pity, sir, find out that bee,
Which bore my Love away.

I'll seek him in your bonnet brave;
I'll seek him in your eyes;
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I'll seek him there; I know, ere this,
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The Tell-Tale Flowers
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The violets by the woodland side
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