Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/499

 405. To a Lady asking him how long he would love her

It is not, Celia, in our power To say how long our love will last; It may be we within this hour May lose those joys we now do taste; The Blessèd, that immortal be, From change in love are only free.

Then since we mortal lovers are, Ask not how long our love will last; But while it does, let us take care Each minute be with pleasure past: Were it not madness to deny To live because we're sure to die?

THOMAS TRAHERNE

1637?-1674

406. News

News from a foreign country came As if my treasure and my wealth lay there; So much it did my heart inflame, 'Twas wont to call my Soul into mine ear; Which thither went to meet The approaching sweet, And on the threshold stood To entertain the unknown Good. It hover'd there As if 'twould leave mine ear,