This occurred on August 24, 1662, the
seventy-first anniversary of the poet's baptism. Of Herrick's movements
after that, tradition does not furnish even the shadow of an outline.
The only notable event concerning him is recorded twelve years later
in the parish register: "Robert Herrick, vicker, was buried ye 15th day
October, 1674." He was eighty-three years old. The location of his grave
is unknown. In 1857 a monument to his memory was erected in Dean Church.
And this is all.
II
THE details that have come down to us touching Herrick's private life
are as meagre as if he had been a Marlowe or a Shakespeare. But were
they as ample as could be desired they would still be unimportant
compared with the single fact that in 1648 he gave to the world
his "Hesperides." The environments of the man were accidental and
transitory. The significant part of him we have, and that is enduring so
long as wit, fancy, and melodious numbers hold a charm for mankind.
A fine thing incomparably said instantly becomes familiar, and has
henceforth a sort of dateless excellence.
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