Littles-Robert Herrick

 LITTLES

A little saint best fits a little shrine,

A little prop best fits a little vine:

As my small cruse best fits my little wine


A little seed best fits a little soil,

A little trade best fits a little toil:

As my small jar best fits my little oil.


A little bin best fits a little bread,

A little garland fits a little head:

As my small stuff best fits my little shed.


A little hearth best fits a little fire,

A little chapel fits a little choir:

As my small bell best fits my little spire.


A little stream best fits a little boat;

A little lead best fits a little float;

As my small pipe best fits my little note.


ROBERT HERRICK


Summary: 'Littles' by Robert Herrick is a poem that extols the beauty of simplicity and proportionality in various aspects of life. The poem comprises ten stanzas, each emphasizing the idea that small things are best suited to each other. The speaker begins by stating that a little saint is most fitting for a little shrine, conveying the notion that greatness lies in embracing a humble and appropriate space. Similarly, a little prop perfectly complements a little vine, symbolizing the importance of nurturing small things. Throughout the poem, various objects and elements are paired based on their size and scope, such as a little seed in a little soil, a little trade in a little toil, and a little bin for a little bread. The poem also portrays how harmony and balance arise when elements are matched appropriately, such as a little hearth for a little fire, a little stream for a little boat, and a little chapel for a little choir. In the final stanza, the poet reiterates the central theme, highlighting that a little pipe produces a sweet and fitting melody. Overall, 'Littles' conveys the message the beauty and fulfillment can be found in simplicity and the alignment of things in proportion to each other.

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