TO A LADY ASKING HIM HOW LONG HE WOULD LOVE HER

by: Sir George Etherege (1635-1691)

T 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,

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:

Were it not madness to deny

To live because we're sure to die?

• George Etherege - A biography of the Restoration dramatist.
• George Etherege: Bibliography - A bibliography of the works of George Etherege; includes a list of critical resources.
• Purchase books by George Etherege