Robert Herrick: To Dianeme

TO DIANEME.
by Robert Herrick

DEAR, though to part it be a hell,
Yet, Dianeme, now farewell :
Thy frown last night did bid me go,
But whither only grief does know.
I do beseech thee ere we part,
If merciful as fair thou art
Or else desir'st that maids should tell
Thy pity by love's chronicle,
O Dianeme, rather kill
Me, than to make me languish still!
Tis cruelty in thee to th' height
Thus, thus to wound, not kill outright ;
Yet there's a way found, if you please,
By sudden death to give me ease ;
And thus devis'd, do thou but this—
Bequeath to me one parting kiss,
So sup'rabundant joy shall be
The executioner of me.

Carlo Saraceni (ca. 1580-1620).
Venus and Mars.
From CGFA.

Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol I.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891. 39.

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