Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
Abraham Cowley. 16181667350. Anacreontics 2. The Epicure
UNDERNEATH this myrtle shade, | |
On flowerly beds supinely laid, | |
With odorous oils my head o’erflowing, | |
And around it roses growing, | |
What should I do but drink away | 5 |
The heat and troubles of the day? | |
In this more than kingly state | |
Love himself on me shall wait. | |
Fill to me, Love! nay, fill it up! | |
And mingled cast into the cup | 10 |
Wit and mirth and noble fires, | |
Vigorous health and gay desires. | |
The wheel of life no less will stay | |
In a smooth than rugged way: | |
Since it equally doth flee, | 15 |
Let the motion pleasant be. | |
Why do we precious ointments shower?— | |
Nobler wines why do we pour?— | |
Beauteous flowers why do we spread | |
Upon the monuments of the dead? | 20 |
Nothing they but dust can show, | |
Or bones that hasten to be so. | |
Crown me with roses while I live, | |
Now your wines and ointments give: | |
After death I nothing crave, | 25 |
Let me alive my pleasures have: | |
All are Stoics in the grave. |