A Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert Herrick

13. HIS POETRY HIS PILLAR

     Only a little more
     I have to write:
     Then I'll give o'er,
     And bid the world good-night.

     'Tis but a flying minute,
     That I must stay,
     Or linger in it:
     And then I must away.

     O Time, that cut'st down all,
     And scarce leav'st here
     Memorial
     Of any men that were;

     —How many lie forgot
     In vaults beneath,
     And piece-meal rot
     Without a fame in death?

     Behold this living stone
     I rear for me,
     Ne'er to be thrown
     Down, envious Time, by thee.

     Pillars let some set up
     If so they please;
     Here is my hope,
     And my Pyramides.