How small a part of time they share, That are so wondrous sweet and fair!

Go, lovely rose! Tell her that wastes her time and me That now she knows, When I resemble her to thee, How sweet and fair she seems to be.

And as pale sickness does invade, Your frailer part, the breaches made, In that fair lodging still more clear, Make the bright guest, your soul, appear.

How small a part of time they share,
That are so wondrous sweet and fair!

How small a part of time they share,That are so wondrous sweet and fair!

A narrow compass! and yet there Dwelt all that 's good, and all that 's fair; Give me but what this riband bound, Take all the rest the sun goes round.