Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
Sir George Etherege. 1635–1691405. To a Lady asking him how long he would love her
| IT is not, Celia, in our power | |
| To say how long our love will last; | |
| It may be we within this hour | |
| May lose those joys we now do taste; | |
| The Blessèd, that immortal be, | 5 |
| From change in love are only free. | |
| Then since we mortal lovers are, | |
| Ask not how long our love will last; | |
| But while it does, let us take care | |
| Each minute be with pleasure past: | 10 |
| Were it not madness to deny | |
| To live because we’re sure to die? |