T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
To Anthea
By Robert Herrick (15911674)(Songs from Hesperides, 1648) LET’S call for Hymen, if agreed thou art; | |
Delays in love but crucify the heart. | |
Love’s thorny tapers yet neglected lie: | |
Speak thou the word, they’ll kindly by-and-bye. | |
The nimble hours woo us on to wed, | 5 |
And Genius waits to have us both to bed. | |
Behold, for us the naked Graces stay | |
With maunds of roses for to strew the way: | |
Besides, the most religious prophet stands | |
Ready to join, as well our hearts as hands. | 10 |
Juno yet smiles; but if she chance to chide, | |
Ill luck ’twill bode to th’ bridegroom and the bride. | |
Tell me, Anthea, dost thou fondly dread | |
The loss of that we call a maidenhead? | |
Come, I’ll instruct thee. Know, the vestal fire | 15 |
Is not by marriage quench’d, but flames the higher. | |