Nuptial Verse

Listen to:

Nuptial Verse (1:25)

by Robert Herrick 

performed by Bob Gonzalez, rhapsode

To Mistress Elizabeth Lee, now Lady Tracy

Spring with the lark, most comely bride, and meet 

Your eager bridegroom with auspicious feet. 

The morn's far spent, and the immortal sun 

Corals* his cheek to see those rites not done. 

Fie, lovely maid ! Indeed you are too slow, 

When to the temple Love should run, not go. 

Dispatch your dressing then, and quickly wed ; 

Then feast, and coy't a little, then to bed. 

This day is Love's day, and this busy night 

Is yours, in which you challenged are to fight 

With such an arm'd, but such an easy foe, 

As will, if you yield, lie down conquer'd too. 

The field is pitch'd, but such must be your wars, 

As that your kisses must outvie the stars. 

Fall down together vanquished both, and lie 

Drown'd in the blood of rubies there, not die.

*Corals, reddens.