Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CARPE DIEM, by GEORGE ETHEREGE


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CARPE DIEM, by                
First Line: It is not, celia, in our power / to say how long our love will last
Last Line: But change a lover for a friend.
Variant Title(s): To A Lady, Asking How Long He Would Love Her
Subject(s): Carpe Diem; Desire; Love


IT is not, Celia, in your power
To say how long our love will last;
It may be we, within this hour.
May lose those joys we now do taste:
The blessed, who immortal be,
From change of love are only free.

Then, since we mortal lovers are,
Ask not how long our love will last;
But, while it does, let us take care
Each minute be with pleasure passed.
Were it not madness to deny
To live, because we're sure to die?

Fear not, though love and beauty fail,
My reason shall my heart direct:
Your kindness now shall then prevail,
And passion turn into respect.
Celia, at worst, you'll in the end
But change a lover for a friend.





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