Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE HOUREGLASSE, by JOSEPH BEAUMONT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE HOUREGLASSE, by                    
First Line: Once as I in my study sate & saw
Last Line: Triumphs o'r time by sure eternitie.
Subject(s): Fate; Time; Destiny


ONCE as I in my Study sate & saw
The faithfull Houreglasse wth what speed it ran,
(Much faster then my dull Invention)
Me thought I might from thence some Emblem draw.

I and ye Sand neer kindred had, my Dust
Will proove it so: & for ye tender glasse
My brittle Constitution may passe.
Time measureth my life, & run it must,

But heer's ye difference: That its houre will run,
Whilst my poor Life hath not one minute sure.
The Glasse, if us'd with care, may long indure:
My most uncertaine Life may break alone.

When that is out strait turned up againe
Its Life renewed is, & runs afresh:
But when my Dust is out, this helplesse Flesh
Must in its ruine to Times end remaine.

Yet then at length my Fate shall happier be:
My Dust once turned up from my long Grave,
Runs not by sleight vain houres, but stout & brave
Triumphs o'r Time by sure Eternitie.





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