Poem by Richard Crashaw

Euthanasia

Wouldst see blithe looks, fresh cheeks beguile
Age? wouldst see December smile?
Wouldst see nests of new roses grow
In a bed of reverend snow?
Warm thoughts, free spirits, flattering
Winter's self into a spring?
In sum wouldst see a man that can
Live to be old, and still a man?
Whose latest and most leaden hours,
Fall with soft wings stuck with soft flowers;
And, when life's sweet fable ends,
Soul and body part like friends;
No quarrels, murmurs, no delay -
A kiss, a sigh, and so away.
This rare one, reader, wouldst thou see?
Hark hither! - and thyself be he. 

1. On the Prodigal
2. Christ Crucified
3. On Mr. G. Herbert's Book
4. In the Holy Nativity of our Lord
5. Wishes to his (Supposed) Mistress

George Byron Euthanasia ("When Time, or soon or late, shall bring")

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