2.
-
gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
old time is still a-flying :
and this same flower that smiles to-day
to-morrow will be dying.
the glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
the higher he's a-getting,
the sooner will his race be run,
and nearer he's to setting.
that age is best which is the first,
when youth and blood are warmer ;
but being spent, the worse, and worst
times still succeed the former.
then be not coy, but use your time,
and while ye may go marry :
for having lost but once your prime
you may for ever tarry.
