Classic Poem

olivia: Before we shall again behold
In his diurnal race the world's great eye,
We may as silent be and cold
As are the shades where buried lovers lie.

endimion: Olivia, 'tis no fault of love
To lose ourselves in death, but O, I fear
When life and knowledge is above
Restored to us, I shall not know thee there.

olivia: Call it not Heaven, my love, where we
Ourselves shall see, and yet each other miss:
So much of Heaven I find in thee
As, thou unknown, all else privation is.

endimion: Why should we doubt, before we go
To find the knowledge which shall ever last,
That we may there each other know?
Can future knowledge quite destroy the past?

olivia: When at the bowers in the Elysian shade
I first arrive, I shall examine where
They dwell who love the highest virtue made;
For I am sure to find Endimion there.

endimion: From this vexed world when we shall both retire,
Where all are lovers, and where all rejoice,
I need not seek thee in the Heavenly quire;
For I shall know Olivia by her voice.