Robert Herrick addresses his friend and mentor, the great playwright Ben Jonson, as though he were a saint. The whole poem is one short, tender petition. Bending a knee in mock-reverence, the speaker asks “Saint Ben” to smooth the way for his writing, to guide his hand as he crafts a lyric. It’s a love-letter disguised as a prayer, brimming with affection and gentle humor. There’s real feeling here: Herrick isn’t just joking; he’s honoring a man he dearly admires, offering imaginary candles, a fresh altar, and a place in his own book of psalms. The mood is intimate and warm — you can almost see the grin behind the words. Religion’s language gets borrowed for a poet’s devotion, turning a simple request for inspiration into something both humble and delightfully cheeky.
His Prayer To Ben Jonson — Summary
When I a verse shall make, Know I have pray'd thee, For old religion's sake, Saint Ben to aid me.
Make the way smooth for me, When I, thy Herrick, Honouring thee, on my knee Offer my lyric.
Candles I'll give to thee, And a new altar, And thou, Saint Ben, shalt be Writ in my psalter.