So shuts the marigold her leaves At the departure of the sun; So from the honeysuckle sheaves The bee goes when the day is done; So sits the turtle when she is but one, And so all woe, as I since she is gone. To some few birds kind Nature hath Made all the summer as one day: Which once enjoy’d, cold winter’s wrath As night they sleeping pass away. Those happy creatures are, that know not yet The pain to be deprived or to forget. I oft have heard men say there be Some that with confidence profess The helpful Art of Memory: But could they teach Forgetfulness, I’d learn; and try what further art could do To make me love her and forget her too. _Epitaphs_ _245._ _In Obitum M.S. Xº Maij, 1614_ May! Be thou never graced with birds that sing, Nor Flora’s pride! In thee all flowers and roses spring, Mine only died. _246._ _On the Countess Dowager of Pembroke_ Underneath this sable herse Lies the subject of all verse: Sidney’s sister, Pembroke’s mother: Death, ere thou hast slain another Fair and learn’d and good as she, Time shall throw a dart at thee. ROBERT HERRICK 1591-1674 _247._ _Corinna’s going a-Maying_ Get up, get up for shame! The blooming morn Upon her wings presents the god unshorn. See how Aurora throws her fair Fresh-quilted colours through the air: Get up, sweet slug-a-bed, and see The dew bespangling herb and tree! Each flower has wept and bow’d toward the east Above an hour since, yet you not drest; Nay! not so much as out of bed? When all the birds have matins said And sung their thankful hymns, ’tis sin. Nay, profanation, to keep in, Whereas a thousand virgins on this day Spring sooner than the lark, to fetch in May. Rise and put on your foliage, and be seen To come forth, like the spring-time, fresh and green, And sweet as Flora. Take no care For jewels for your gown or hair: Fear not; the leaves will strew Gems in abundance upon you: Besides, the childhood of the day has kept, Against you come, some orient pearls unwept. Come, and receive them while the light Hangs on the dew-locks of the night: And Titan on the eastern hill Retires himself, or else stands still Till you come forth! Wash, dress, be brief in praying: Few beads are best when once we go a-Maying.