Persuasions to Joy, a Song

Portrait of Thomas Carew
Thomas Carew 1595–1640

IF the quick spirits in your eye Now languish and anon must die; If every sweet and every grace Must fly from that forsaken face; Then, Celia, let us reap our joys Ere Time such goodly fruit destroys.

Or if that golden fleece must grow For ever free from aged snow; If those bright suns must know no shade, Nor your fresh beauties ever fade; Then fear not, Celia, to bestow What, still being gather'd, still must grow.

Thus either Time his sickle brings In vain, or else in vain his wings.

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