John Digby, Earl of Bristol (1580–1653)

GRIEVE not, dear Love! although we often part:

But know, that Nature gently doth us sever,

Thereby to train us up, with tender art,

To brook the day when we must part for ever.

For Nature, doubting we should be surprised

By that sad day whose dread doth chiefly fear us,

Doth keep us daily schooled and exercised;

Lest that the fright thereof should overbear us!