To His Kinswoman, Mistress Susanna Herrick

When I consider, dearest, thou dost stay
But here awhile, to languish and decay;
Like to these garden glories, which here be
The flowery-sweet resemblances of thee:
With grief of heart, methinks, I thus do cry,
Would thou hadst ne'er been born, or might'st not die!

About Robert Herrick

Cavalier lyric poet known for witty, elegant verse celebrating love, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life.

More poems by Robert Herrick

View all Robert Herrick poems →

More Life & Death poems

View all Life & Death poems →