Haste on, my joys!

Haste on, my joys! your treasure lies

In swift, unceasing flight.

O haste: for while your beauty flies

I seize your full delight.

Lo! I have seen the scented flower,

Whose tender stems I cull,

For her brief date and meted hour

Appear more beautiful.

O youth, O strength, O most divine

For that so short ye prove;

Were but your rare gifts longer mine,

Ye scarce would win my love.

Nay, life itself the heart would spurn,

Did once the days restore

The days, that once enjoyed return,

Return, ah! nevermore.