A selection from the lyrical poems of Robert Herrick Part 18

151. MONEY MAKES THE MIRTH

When all birds else do of their music fail, Money's the still-sweet-singing nightingale!

152. TEARS AND LAUGHTER

Knew'st thou one month would take thy life away, Thou'dst weep; but laugh, should it not last a day.

153. UPON TEARS

 

Tears, though they're here below the sinner's brine, Above, they are the Angels' spiced wine.

154. ON LOVE

Love's of itself too sweet; the best of all Is, when love's honey has a dash of gall.

155. PEACE NOT PERMANENT

Great cities seldom rest; if there be none T' invade from far, they'll find worse foes at home.

156. PARDONS

Those ends in war the best contentment bring, Whose peace is made up with a pardoning.

157. TRUTH AND ERROR

Twixt truth and error, there's this difference known Error is fruitful, truth is only one.

158. WlT PUNISHED PROSPERS MOST

Dread not the shackles; on with thine intent, Good wits get more fame by their punishment.

159. BURIAL

Man may want land to live in; but for all Nature finds out some place for burial.

160. NO PAINS, NO GAINS

If little labour, little are our gains; Man's fortunes are according to his pains.

161. TO YOUTH

Drink wine, and live here blitheful while ye may; The morrow's life too late is; Live to-day.

162. TO ENJOY THE TIME

While fates permit us, let's be merry; Pa.s.s all we must the fatal ferry; And this our life, too, whirls away, With the rotation of the day.

163. FELICITY QUICK OF FLIGHT

Every time seems short to be That's measured by felicity; But one half-hour that's made up here With grief, seems longer than a year.

164. MIRTH

True mirth resides not in the smiling skin; The sweetest solace is to act no sin.

165. THE HEART