To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.