What is the rhyme scheme of the poem “Delight in Disorder”?

What is the rhyme scheme of the poem “Delight in Disorder”?

Robert Herrick’s (1591-1674) poem “Delight in Disorder” (1648),  the poet explores how imperfect, messy clothing can be more attractive than neat, perfectly arranged clothes. The poem’s rhyme scheme plays a big role in giving it a rhythmic and musical quality, which adds to its charm.

The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABBCC in each stanza. This means that in each stanza, the first and second lines rhyme with each other, and the third and fourth lines rhyme with each other. The fifth and sixth lines of each stanza have their own rhyme, which is different from the other lines. This creates a sense of balance in the poem. This also making it sound smooth and pleasant. Let’s break down the first stanza:

A sweet disorder in the dress (A)

Kindles in clothes a wantonness; (A)

A lawn about the shoulders thrown (B)

Into a fine distraction; (B)

An erring lace, which here and there (C)

Enthrals the crimson stomacher; (C)

As you can see, the first and second lines rhyme with each other (dress and wantonness), and the third and fourth lines rhyme (thrown and distraction). The fifth and sixth lines rhyme (there and stomacher).

This ABABCC pattern is followed throughout the entire poem, which gives it a light and lively flow. The rhyme scheme helps to express the playful, almost mischievous tone of the poem.