Last Year's Flower

Better large if your monitor can fit the whole picture at once.

 

A Contemplation upon Flowers

Attributed to Henry King

 

Brave flowers, that I could gallant it like you

And be as little vaine;

You come abroad, and make a harmeless shew,

And to your bedds of Earth againe;

You are not proud, you know your birth

For your Embroidered garments are from Earth:

 

You doe obey your months, and times, but I

Would have it ever springe,

My fate would know noe winter, never dye

Not thinke of such a thing;

Oh that I could my bed of Earth by view

And Smile, and looke as cheerfully as you:

 

Oh teach me to see death, and not to feare

But rather to take truce;

How often have I seene you at a Beere,

And there looke fresh and spruce;

You fragrant flowers then teach me that my breath

Like yours may sweeten and perfume my death.

Done