University of Virginia Library


485

“TU NE QUAESIERIS”

Seek not, O Maid, to know
(Alas! unblest the trying!)
When thou and I must go.
No lore of stars can show.
What shall be, vainly prying,
Seek not, O maid, to know.
Will Jove long years bestow?—
Or is't with this one dying,
That thou and I must go,
Now,—when the great winds blow,
And waves the reef are plying?
Seek not, O Maid, to know.
Rather let clear wine flow,
On no vain hope relying;
When thou and I must go
Lies dark;—then be it so.
Now,—now, churl Time is flying;
Seek not, O Maid, to know
When thou and I must go.