Many desire, but few or none deserve To win the fort of thy most constant will: Therefore take heed, let fancy never swerve But unto him that will defend thee still. For this be sure, the fort of fame once won, Farewell the rest, thy happy days are done! Many desire, but few or none deserve To pluck the flowers, and let the leaves to fall: Therefore take heed, let fancy never swerve But unto him that will take leaves and all. For this be sure, the flower once pluckt away, Farewell the rest, thy happy days decay! Many desire, but few or none deserve To cut the corn, not subject to the sickle: Therefore take heed, let fancy never swerve. But constant stand, for mowers' minds are fickle. For this be sure, the crop being once obtain'd, Farewell the rest, the soil will be disdain'd. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LITANY [TO THE HOLY SPIRIT] by ROBERT HERRICK NINETY-NINE IN THE SHADE by ROSSITER JOHNSON AN OLD WOMAN: 1 by EDITH SITWELL BEAUTY OF NATURE by HENRY ALFORD THE WANDERING JEW by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN |