Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ADVICE by LINDLEY WILLIAMS HUBBELL

First Line: I COULD ENDURE TO HAVE YOU DIE
Last Line: DO NOT SURVIVE YOUR THIRTIETH YEAR.
Subject(s): BEAUTY; DEATH; OLD AGE; DEAD, THE;
I could endure to have you die;
Although I should be much bereft,
Still could I bear it, for I know
There would be so much beauty left.
But, if I might thus far make bold,
I do forbid that you grow old.

Die if you must, for in the earth
Your slow corruption would be hidden;
But to confront my strenuous eye
With beauty's end, you are forbidden.
So if you'd have me hold you dear,
Do not survive your thirtieth year.



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