Stanza 1 …
John Dryden
By a dismal cypress lying, …
In pious times, ere priest-craft did begin, …
Can life be a blessing, …
All human things are subject to decay, …
Why should a foolish marriage vow, …
Ah, fading joy, how quickly art thou past! …
Ask not the cause why sullen spring …
I …
You charm'd me not with that fair face …
Calm was the even, and clear was the sky, …
Fair Iris I love and hourly I die, …
COMUS …
Well then; the promis'd hour is come at last; …
How blessed is he, who leads a Country Life, …
Farewell, too little and too lately known, …
Thou youngest virgin-daughter of the skies, …
Creator Spirit, by whose aid …