The Hesperides & Noble Numbers: Vol. 1 and 2

by Robert Herrick

where compare Tibull. II. v. 81-84. It was also used by maids as a love omen.

Thyrse ... sacred Orgies. Herrick's glosses show that the passage he had in mind was Catullus, lxiv. 256-269:—

Harum pars tecta quatiebant cuspide thyrsos
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Pars obscura cavis celebrabant orgia cistis,
Orgia, quæ frustra cupiunt audire profani.

[10]. No man at one time can be wise and love. Amare et sapere vix deo conceditur. (Publius Syrus.) The quotation is found in both Burton and Montaigne.

[12]. Who fears to ask, etc. From Seneca, Hippol. 594-95. Qui timide rogat ... docet negare.

[15]. Goddess Isis ... with her scent. Cp. Plutarch, De Iside et Osiride, 15.

[17]. He acts the crime. Seneca: Nil interest faveas sceleri an illud facias.

[18]. Two things odious. From Ecclus. xxv. 2.

[31]. A Sister ... about I'll lead. "Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife?" 1 Cor. ix. 5.

[35]. Mercy and Truth live with thee. 2 Sam. xv. 20.