Robert Herrick (1591 - 1674) was a British poet who tried his hand first at goldsmithing, then at the priesthood, before embracing his poetic destination. Deposed as a Devonshire vicar because of his loyalty to King Charles, Herrick was reinstated in that position when the king regained his throne after England's civil war and remained a vicar until his death. But the poetry writing that Herrick began during that enforced sabbatical launched a lifelong avocation. Though he was not particularly popular during his lifetime, Herrick is today considered a respected and accomplished lyric poet. Ironically, though many of Herrick's poems offer up passionate testaments on love and ladies, he was a lifelong bachelor--apparently, not by choice. There are those who suspect the poet's inspiration was limited to wishful thinking and his imagination; if so, his imagination was quite good!