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EPIGRAM: TO WILLIAM ROE by BEN JONSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN NATURE BIDS US LEAVE TO LIVE, 'TIS LATE
Last Line: THOUGH LIFE BE SHORT, LET US NOT MAKE IT SO.
Subject(s): ROE, WILLIAM (B. 1585);

When Nature bids us leave to live, 'tis late
Then to begin, my Roe: he makes a state
In life, that can employ it; and takes hold
On the true causes, ere they grow too old.
Delay is bad, doubt worse, depending worst;
Each best day of our life escapes us, first.
Then, since we (more than many) these truths know;
Though life be short, let us not make it so.



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