Jonathan Swift

Fontinella to Florinda

When on my bosom thy bright eyes,

Florinda, dart their heavenly beams,

I feel not the least love surprise,

Yet endless tears flow down in streams;

There's nought so beautiful in thee,

But you may find the same in me.

 

The lilies of thy skin compare;

In me you see them full as white:

The roses of your cheeks, I dare

Affirm, can't glow to more delight.

Then, since I show as fine a face,

Can you refuse a soft embrace?

 

Ah! lovely nymph, thou'rt in thy prime!

And so am I, while thou art here;

But soon will come the fatal time,

When all we see shall disappear.

'Tis mine to make a just reflection,

And yours to follow my direction.

 

Then catch admirers while you may;

Treat not your lovers with disdain;

For time with beauty flies away,

And there is no return again.

To you the sad account I bring,

Life's autumn has no second spring.