Though I Am Young and Cannot Tell

BY BEN JONSON

Though I am young, and cannot tell   

Either what Death or Love is well,

Yet I have heard they both bear darts,  

And both do aim at human hearts.

And then again, I have been told   

Love wounds with heat, as Death with cold;

So that I fear they do but bring   

Extremes to touch, and mean one thing.

As in a ruin we it call   

One thing to be blown up, or fall;

Or to our end like way may have   

By a flash of lightning, or a wave;

So Love’s inflamèd shaft or brand   

May kill as soon as Death’s cold hand;

Except Love’s fires the virtue have   

To fight the frost out of the grave.

(Source: )