Verse > Anthologies > Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. > The Oxford Book of English Verse
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CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
  
John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester. 1647–1680
  
414. Love and Life
  
ALL my past life is mine no more; 
  The flying hours are gone, 
Like transitory dreams given o'er, 
Whose images are kept in store 
  By memory alone.         5
 
The time that is to come is not; 
  How can it then be mine? 
The present moment 's all my lot; 
And that, as fast as it is got, 
  Phillis, is only thine.  10
 
Then talk not of inconstancy, 
  False hearts, and broken vows; 
If I by miracle can be 
This live-long minute true to thee, 
  'Tis all that Heaven allows.  15
 
 
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