Classic Poem

C HLORIS , 'tis not in your power
To say how long our love will last:
It may be, we within this hour,
May lose those joys we now may taste.
The blessed that immortal be
From change in love are only free.

And though you now immortal seem,
Such is th' exactness of your fame:
Those that your beauty so esteem,
Will find it cannot last the same:
Love from mine eyes has stoln my fire,
As apt to waste, and to expire.

Then since we mortal Lovers are,
Let's question not how long 'twill last;
But while we love let us take care,
Each minute be with pleasure past:
It were a madness, to deny
To live, because w' are sure to die.

Fear not, though love and beauty fail,
My reason shall my heart direct:
Your kindness now will then prevail,
And passion turn into respect:
Chloris , at worst, you'll in the end
But change your Lover for a Friend.