86 Quotes by Andrew Marvell

Had we but world enough, and time, This coyness Lady were no crime. We would sit down, and think which way To walk, and pass our long love's day. Thou by the Indian Ganges'side Shouldst rubies find: I by the tide Of Humber would complain. I would Love you ten years before the flood.

My mind was once the true survey Of all these meadows fresh and gay; And in the greenness of the grass Did see its hopes as in a glass.

And yonder all before us lie Deserts of vast eternity.

The grave's a fine and private place, But none, I think, do there embrace.

I have a garden of my own, But so with roses overgrown, And lilies, that you would it guess To be a little wilderness.

Gather the flowers, but spare the buds.

How vainly men themselves amaze To win the palm, the oak, or bays; And their uncessant labours see Crown'd from some single herb or tree. Whose short and narrow verged shade Does prudently their toils upbraid; While all flow'rs and all trees do close To weave the garlands of repose.

Self-preservation, nature's first great law, all the creatures, except man, doth awe.

Had we but world enough, and time, this coyness, lady, were no crime.