The Hesperides & Noble Numbers/Hesperides/Lar's Portion and the Poet's Part

by Robert Herrick

392. TO HIS PECULIAR FRIEND, SIR EDWARD FISH, KNIGHT BARONET.

Since, for thy full deserts, with all the rest
Of these chaste spirits that are here possest
Of life eternal, time has made thee one
For growth in this my rich plantation,
Live here; but know 'twas virtue, and not chance,
That gave thee this so high inheritance.
Keep it for ever, grounded with the good,
Who hold fast here an endless livelihood.