The Poetry Corner

Sweet Disorder

By Robert Herrick

A sweet disorder in the dress Kindles in clothes a wantonness: A lawn about the shoulders thrown Into a fine distraction An erring lace, which here and there Enthralls the crimson stomacher A cuff neglectful, and thereby Ribbands to flow confusedly A winning wave, deserving note, In the tempestuous petticoat A careless shoe-string, in whose tie I see a wild civility Do more bewitch me than when art Is too precise in every part.