"To His Coy Mistress" is a metaphysical poem written by the English author and politician Andrew Marvell either during or just before the English Interregnum . It was published posthumously in 1681.This poem is considered one of Marvell's finest and is possibly the best recognized carpe diem poem in English. Although the date of its composition is not known, it may have been written in the early 1650s. At that time, Marvell was serving as a tutor to the daughter of the retired commander of the New Model Army, Sir Thomas Fairfax.
“Had we but world enough, and time,
This coyness, Lady, were no crime.”
Andrew Marvell To His Coy Mistress
Source: To His Coy Mistress (1650-1652)
Context: 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.
“Thus, though we cannot make our sun
Stand still, yet we will make him run.”
Andrew Marvell To His Coy Mistress
Source: To His Coy Mistress (1650-1652)
Context: Let us roll all our strength and all
Our sweetness up into one ball,
And tear our pleasures with rough strife
Thorough the iron gates of life:
Thus, though we cannot make our sun
Stand still, yet we will make him run.
“An age at least to every part,
And the last age should show your heart.”
Andrew Marvell To His Coy Mistress
To His Coy Mistress (1650-1652)
