Robert Herrick (1591–1674)

IN this world, the Isle of Dreams,

While we sit by sorrow’s streams,

Tears and terror are our themes

Reciting:

But when once from hence we fly,

More and more approaching nigh

Unto young Eternity

Uniting:

In that whiter island, where

Things are evermore sincere;

Candour here, and lustre there

Delighting:

—There no monstrous fancies shall

Out of Hell an horror call,

To create (or cause at all)

Affrighting.

There in calm and cooling sleep

We our eyes shall never steep;

But eternal watch shall keep

Attending

Pleasures such as shall pursue

Me immortalised, and you;

And fresh joys, as never too

Have ending.