The Argument of His Book

“Upon Julia’s Breasts“ by Robert Herrick (1648)

This particular poem was also printed in Hesperides along with “The Argument of His Book,” which initiates the volume. The poem is one of several from Herrick addressing a woman named Julia from the perspective of her admirer and beloved. This particular poem is rather sexual, provoking Julia to reveal her body to her addresser who wishes to “[r]avish[]” (Line 4) her.

“Of Love: A Sonnet” by Robert Herrick (1648)

Likewise written in Hesperides, “Of Love” focuses on the origin of the eponymous emotion. Also written in sonnet form like “The Argument of His Book,” this particular poem fulfills Herrick’s promise to provide lyrics on love in Hesperides, a promise/prediction he puts forth in “The Argument.” In “Of Love,” Herrick’s speaker muses about how love exactly entered into them—whether through the ear or eye—and where it resides: everywhere or in one particular place. They end with the conclusion that love is an “out-let” (Line 14) from the heart.

“Upon the Loss of his Mistresses“ by Robert Herrick (1648)

Just as with the preceding two examples, this poem appears in Hesperides. In this text, the speaker does seem to be conflated with the author, as they refer to themself as “Herrick[].