Classic Poem

Mistaken fair, lay Sherlock by,
His doctrine is deceiving;
For, whilst he teaches us to die,
He cheats us of our living.

To die's a lesson we shall know
Too soon, without a master;
Then let us only study now
How we may live the faster.

To live's to love; to bless, be blessed
With mutual inclination;
Share then my ardour in your breast,
And kindly meet my passion.

But if thus blessed I may not live,
And pity you deny,
To me, at least, your Sherlock give,
'Tis I must learn to die.