To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time

Robert Herrick (1591-1674)

 

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
     Old time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles today,
     Tomorrow will be dying.

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
     The higher he's a-getting,
The sooner will his race be run,
     And nearer he's to setting.

The age is best which is the first,
     When youth and blood are warmer;
But being spent, the worse, and worst
     Times still succeed the former.

Then be not coy, but use your time,
     And while you may, go marry;
For having lost but once your prime,
     You may forever tarry.


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