Robert Herrick: To Anthea (II)

TO ANTHEA (II).
by Robert Herrick

NOW is the time, when all the lights wax dim ;
And thou, Anthea, must withdraw from him
Who was thy servant. Dearest, bury me
Under that holy oak or Gospel tree,
Where, though thou seest not, thou may'st think upon
Me, when thou yearly go'st procession ;
Or, for mine honour, lay me in that tomb
In which thy sacred relics shall have room.
For my embalming, sweetest, there will be
No spices wanting when I'm laid by thee.

Holy oak, the oak under which the minister
read the Gospel in the procession round the parish
bounds in Rogation week.

Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol I.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891. 22.

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