Page:Golden Treasury of English Songs and Lyrics.djvu/106

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We have short time to stay, as you,  We have as short a Spring;As quick a growth to meet decay  As you, or any thing.     We die,  As your hours do, and dry     Away  Like to the Summer’s rain;Or as the pearls of morning’s dew   Ne’er to be found again.          R. Herrick

cxi

THOUGHTS IN A GARDEN

How vainly men themselves amazeTo win the palm, the oak, or bays,And their incessant labours seeCrown’d from some single herb or tree,Whose short and narrow-vergéd shadeDoes prudently their toils upbraid;While all the flowers and trees do closeTo weave the garlands of Repose.
Fair Quiet, have I found thee here,And Innocence thy sister dear?Mistaken long, I sought you thenIn busy companies of men:Your sacred plants, if here below.Only among the plants will grow:Society is all but rudeTo this delicious solitude.
No white nor red was ever seenSo amorous as this lovely green.Fond lovers, cruel as their flame,Cut in these trees their mistress’ name:Little, alas, they know or heedHow far these beauties her exceed!Fair trees! where’er your barks I wound,No name shall but your own be found.
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