Robert Herrick Quotes

A collection of quotes by Robert Herrick.

Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English poet born in 1591, best known for his collection of poems titled "Hesperides". Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he was born in London and raised in a prosperous family. Herrick attended Cambridge University and later became a vicar in the Devonshire parish of Dean Prior.

Herrick's poetry is characterized by its lyrical and often playful nature. His work covers a wide range of themes, including love, nature, religion, and the fleeting nature of life. Within his collection, "Hesperides", Herrick's most famous poem is arguably "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time", commonly known by its opening line, "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may". This poem is a celebrated example of carpe diem poetry and urges young women to seize the opportunity for love before it slips away.

Despite his talent and influence in his time, Herrick's "Hesperides" was largely neglected until the 19th century when it gained recognition and appreciation among a wider audience. Herrick continued to write and publish poetry until his death in 1674, leaving behind a body of work that remains admired for its wit, beauty, and evocative imagery.