FRIEND, let us live--live, live, in all despite Of greybeards--never cease to make good cheer! Live! Since our span of life is short and dear, And even kings have but a tenant's right. The day eve quenches, morn restores to light. The seasons are renewed each rolling year; But when man's pleasant life shall disappear, Death steeps his senses in eternal night. What! A beast's life to lead shall we be said? No! But towards heaven ay lifting up our head, Let us sometimes the sweets of pleasure taste. He is not wise who changes certainty Of present good for hope which may belie, And thwarts each wish that nature in him placed. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AN AUGUST MIDNIGHT by THOMAS HARDY THE SHEPHEARDES CALENDER: MARCH by EDMUND SPENSER LAURENCE BLOOMFIELD IN IRELAND: 2. FINLAY by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM SIC VITA by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) A HYMN OF THE SEA by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT LOVES HOROSCOPE by RICHARD CRASHAW |