Based on our study of Ben Jonson and Robert Herrick, one can find many representative features of early 17th century poetry, featuring neoclassical ideas and a touch of pre-renaissance ideas. These include the moral stance of poetry and a clear and direct approach to communication "for everyone". There are also many homages to classic themes like carpe diem and utopia. There are also many classic values, forms and references to mythology evident in Jonson and Herrick's work, which are so indicative of the era in which their works were published. Thus, the poetry of this era includes both classical themes and a new responsibility linked to the public role of poets. A sense of moral obligation is very important in this ancient poetry, particularly in Jonson's poetry. Jonson published his own material and lived the life he embodied in his poetry. We see him guiding people in many of his works. In one, entitled "On My First Son," Jonson asks why "shall man lament the state which he should envy?" » (6). In this particular line, he alludes to death as a liberation from the human world and implores us to think about how, in a sense, we would be lucky to die prematurely. We also see this orientation embodied in much of Herrick's work. Her Corinna's Going A-Maying proclaims: "Come, let us go, while we are in the prime of life/And take the harmless folly of time" (57-8). Here he guides people to make the most of the day. The two lines mentioned above show a sense of moral guidance; however, in Herrick's case we also find the old concept of seizing the opportunity. The classic theme of carpe diem is another typical feature of early 17th century poetry. The theme of seizing the day and making the most of what you can is often part of the integral lessons offered in the poetry of the day. In one of the stands of Jonson's work To the immortal memory and friendship of that noble couple, Sir Lucius Cary and Sir H. Morison, he asks: "For what is life, if it is measured by space/not by the act? (21-22). It requires knowing why we measure life by time rather than by what we do. It is also interesting to note that this poem is actually a Pindaric ode, a classical form of poetry including the stand, the turne and the counter-turne. Herrick's "To the Virgins, To Make Much of Time" is also full of this concept of seizing the day.