History & Politics

To the King.

by Robert Herrick 1591–1674

From Hesperides (1648)

History & Politics

GIve way, give way, now, now my Charles shines here,
A Publike Light (in this immensive Sphere.)
Some starres were fixt before; but these are dim,
Compar'd (in this my ample Orbe) to Him.
Draw in your feeble fiers, while that He
Appeares but in His Meaner Majestie.
Where, if such glory flashes from His Name,
Which is His Shade, who can abide His Flame!
Princes, and such like Publike Lights as these,
Must not be lookt on, but at distances:
For, if we gaze on These brave Lamps too neer,
Our eyes they'l blind, or if not blind, they'l bleer.

MLA

Herrick, Robert. “To the King.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/herrick/694/.

Chicago

Herrick, Robert. “To the King.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/herrick/694/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

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