TO HIS BROTHER-IN-LAW,
MASTER JOHN WINGFIELD.
by Robert Herrick


FOR being comely, consonant, and free
To most of men, but most of all to me ;
For so decreeing that thy clothes' expense
Keeps still within a just circumference ;
Then for contriving so to load thy board
As that the messes ne'er o'erlaid the lord ;
Next for ordaining that thy words not swell
To any one unsober syllable :
These I could praise thee for beyond another,
Wert thou a Wingfield only, not a brother.


Consonant, harmonious.
Circumference, limit.

Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol II.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891. 8-9.
Backto Works of Robert Herrick

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