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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO THE VIRGINS, TO MAKE MUCH OF TIME by ROBERT HERRICK

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: GATHER YE ROSEBUDS WHILE YE MAY
Last Line: YOU MAY FOREVER TARRY.
Subject(s): CARPE DIEM; FLOWERS; HOLIDAYS; LOVE; LOVE - MARITAL; MARRIAGE; NEW YEAR; ROSES; TIME; YOUTH; WEDDED LOVE; MARRIAGE - LOVE; WEDDINGS; HUSBANDS; WIVES;

GATHER ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old Time is still a flying;
And this same flower that smiles to-day
To-morrow 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 worst and worst
Times still succeed the former.
Then be not coy, but use your time,
And, while ye may, go marry;
For having lost but once your prime,
You may forever tarry.



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