Classic Poem

Where heat of love doth once possess the heart,
There cares oppress the mind with wondrous ill:
Wit runs awry, not fearing future smart,
And fond desire doth overmaster will:
The belly neither cares for meat nor drink,
Nor over-watched eyes desire to wink.

Footsteps are false, and wavering to and fro;
The pleasing flower of beauty fades away;
Reason retires, and pleasure brings in woe,
And wisdom yieldeth place to black decay:
Counsel and fame, and friendship are contemned,
And bashful shame, and Gods themselves condemned.

Watchful suspect is linked with despair,
Inconstant hope is often drowned in fears,
What folly hurts fortune cannot repair,
And misery doth swim in seas of tears;
Long use of life is but a ling'ring foe,
And gentle death is only end of woe.