O Mistress mine, where are you roaming?O, stay and hear; your true love's coming,That can sing both high and low:Trip no further, pretty sweeting;Journeys end in lovers meeting,Every wise man's son doth know.What is love? 'Tis not hereafter;Present mirth hath present laughter;What's to come is still unsure:In delay there lies not plenty
In this excerpt, the speaker addresses a beloved, urging her to stay and listen as her true love approaches. The message conveys a sense of urgency, emphasizing that love is present and should be experienced now rather than postponed. The speaker highlights the joy of love, suggesting that every wise person understands the importance of seizing the moment.
The verse reflects on the nature of love, asserting that it is not something to be awaited in the future but should be celebrated in the present. Delaying love only diminishes its value, and the speaker advocates for immediate enjoyment and laughter, as life's uncertainties make it essential to cherish what one has now.
