ROBERT HERRICK

1591 - 1679

This poem provides an example of a carpe diem motif.

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
    Old Time is still a-flying:
And this same flower that smiles to-day
    Tomorrow 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.

To Carpe Diem in the Glossary
Alphabetic Page Version	Entire Glossary Version

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.