The More Mighty, The More Merciful.

Who may do most, does least: the bravest will
Show mercy there, where they have power to kill.

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

The Apron Of Flowers

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

The New-Year's Gift

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

To God.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

Jack And Jill.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

English

Suggested Poems

Explore a curated selection of verses that share themes, styles, and emotional resonance with the poem you've just read.

More Potent, Less Peccant.

He that may sin, sins least: leave to transgress
Enfeebles much the seeds of wickedness.

Robert Herrick

Mean Things Overcome Mighty.

By the weak'st means things mighty are o'erthrown.
He's lord of thy life who contemns his own.

Robert Herrick

Mercy And Love.

God hath two wings which He doth ever move;
The one is mercy, and the next is love:
Under the first the sinners ever trust;
And with the last He still directs the just.

Robert Herrick

Clemency.

For punishment in war it will suffice
If the chief author of the faction dies;
Let but few smart, but strike a fear through all;
Where the fault springs there let the judgment fall.

Robert Herrick

More Modest, More Manly.

'Tis still observ'd those men most valiant are,
That are most modest ere they come to war.

Robert Herrick

God's Mercy.

God's boundless mercy is, to sinful man,
Like to the ever-wealthy ocean:
Which though it sends forth thousand streams, 'tis ne'er
Known, or else seen, to be the emptier;
And though it takes all in, 'tis yet no more
Full, and fill'd full, than when full fill'd before.

Robert Herrick