A Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert Herrick

57. TO SIR CLIPSBY CREW

     Since to the country first I came,
     I have lost my former flame;
     And, methinks, I not inherit,
     As I did, my ravish'd spirit.
     If I write a verse or two,
     'Tis with very much ado;
     In regard I want that wine
     Which should conjure up a line.
     Yet, though now of Muse bereft,
     I have still the manners left
     For to thank you, noble sir,
     For those gifts you do confer
     Upon him, who only can
     Be in prose a grateful man.