456 
TO CORINNA, TO GO A MAYING 
Fear not, the leaves will strew 
Gems in abundance upon you ; 
Besides, the childhood of the day has kept, 
Against you come, some orient pearls unwept. 
Come, and receive them while the light 
Hangs on the dew-locks of the night: 
And Titan on the eastern hill 
Retires himself, or else stands still 
Till you come forth. Wash, dress, be brief in praying 
Few beads are best, when once we go a Maying. 
Come, let us go, while we are in our prime. 
And take the harmless folly of the time; 
We shall grow old apace, and die 
Before we know our liberty. 
Our life is short, and our days run 
As fast away as does the sun ; 
And as a vapor, or a drop of rain 
Once lost, can ne’er be found again; 
So, when you and I are made 
A fable, song, or fleeting shade; 
All love, all liking, all delight 
Lies drowned with us in endless night. 
Then while time serves, and we are but decaying, 
Come, my Corinna, come, let’s go a Maying. 
/ 
