Robert Herrick. To a Bed of Tulips.

TO A BED OF TULIPS.
by Robert Herrick

BRIGHT tulips, we do know
    You had your coming hither,
And fading-time does show
    That ye must quickly wither.

Your sisterhoods may stay,
    And smile here for your hour ;
But die ye must away,
    Even as the meanest flower.

Come, virgins, then and see
    Your frailties, and bemoan ye ;
For, lost like these, 'twill be
    As time had never known ye.

Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol I.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891. 231.

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