To a Lady asking him how long he would love her

It 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 Blessed, 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?

Sir George Etherege