The Lover's Clock

By John Suckling

That none beguiled be by Time's quick flowing,

Lovers have in their hearts a clock still going;

For, though Time be nimble, his motions

Are quicker

Are thicker

Where Love hath his notions.

Hope is the mainspring on which moves desire,

And these do the less wheels, fear, joy, inspire;

The balance is thought, evermore

Clicking

And striking,

And ne'er giving o'er.

Occasion's the hand which still's moving round,

Till by it the critical hour may be found;

And, when that falls out, it will strike

Kisses,

Strange blisses,

And what you best like.