Robert Herrick. To The Lady Mary Villars, Governess to The Princess Henrietta.

TO THE LADY MARY VILLARS, GOVERNESS TO
THE PRINCESS HENRIETTA.
by Robert Herrick

WHEN I of Villars do but hear the name,
It calls to mind that mighty Buckingham,¹
Who was your brave exalted uncle here,
Binding the wheel of fortune to his sphere,
Who spurned at envy, and could bring with ease
An end to all his stately purposes.
For his love then, whose sacred relics show
Their resurrection and their growth in you ;
And for my sake, who ever did prefer
You above all those sweets of Westminster ;
Permit my book to have a free access
To kiss your hand, most dainty governess.

¹ Buckingham, George Villiers, King James' favourite.

Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol I.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891. 172-173.

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