Hesperides is the great collection of Robert Herrick, published in 1648 together with Noble Numbers, his religious poems. Its more than fourteen hundred short poems celebrate love, country festivals, flowers, food and wine, and the brevity of life. It includes To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time.
A garden of poems
The Hesperides of Greek myth were nymphs guarding a garden of golden apples in the far west. Herrick, who lived in Devon, gave his poems this name.
The book contains epigrams, love lyrics, songs and descriptions of rural customs such as May Day and harvest home.
Carpe diem
Many poems urge young people to enjoy their youth before it passes, in the tradition of the Latin poet Horace.
To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time, with its image of rosebuds, is the most famous example.
A clergyman poet
Herrick was vicar of Dean Prior, in Devon, from 1629. He was removed from his post by the Puritans in 1647 and returned to it after the Restoration.
Noble Numbers, printed in the same volume with its own title page, contains his devotional poems.
Anecdotes
A disciple of Ben Jonson
In his youth in London, Herrick belonged to the circle of poets around Ben Jonson, known as the Sons of Ben, and wrote poems in his honour.
Imaginary mistresses
Herrick's poems address many women, such as Julia, Anthea and Corinna, who were probably imaginary.
Frequently asked questions
When was Hesperides published?
In 1648.
Where was Herrick vicar?
At Dean Prior, in Devon.
What is Noble Numbers?
His collection of religious poems, printed with Hesperides.