TO THE VIRGINS, TO MAKE MUCH OF TIME

 Robert Herrick (1591-1674)

TO THE VIRGINS, TO MAKE MUCH OF TIME

Gather ye Rose-buds 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 neerer he's to Setting.

That Age is best, which is the first,

  When Youth and Blood are warmer;

But being spent, the worse, and worst

  Times, still succeed the former.

Then be not coy, but use your time;

  And while ye may, goe marry:

For having lost but once your prime,

  You may for ever tarry.