A Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert Herrick

117. IMPOSSIBILITIES: TO HIS FRIEND

     My faithful friend, if you can see
     The fruit to grow up, or the tree;
     If you can see the colour come
     Into the blushing pear or plum;
     If you can see the water grow
     To cakes of ice, or flakes of snow;
     If you can see that drop of rain
     Lost in the wild sea once again;
     If you can see how dreams do creep
     Into the brain by easy sleep:—
     —Then there is hope that you may see
     Her love me once, who now hates me.