Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/418

 ABRAHAM COWLEY

T. The Epicure

T TNDERNEATH this myrtle shade, \-s On flowery beds supinely laid, With odorous oils my head o'erflowing, And around it roses growing, What should I do but drink away The heat and troubles of the day? In this more than kingly state Love himself on me shall wait. Fill to me, Love I nay, fill it up! And mingled cast into the cup Wit and mirth and noble fires, Vigorous health and gay desires. The wheel of life no less will stay In a smooth than rugged way: Since it equally doth flee, Let the motion pleasant be. Why do we precious ointments shower? Nobler wines why do we pour ? Beauteous flowers why do we spread Upon the monuments of the dead^ Nothing they but dust can show, Or bones that hasten to be so. Crown me with roses while I live, Now your wines and ointments give: After death I nothing crave, Let me alive my pleasures have: All are Stoics in the grave.

�� �