A French Madrigal

(Found here)

Dearest young girl, let us go and see if the rose

which this morning revealed
its crimson face to the sun
has already this evening lost
any of the folds of its purple dress
and its fresh glow, so much like yours.

Oh! See in how short a time,
dear one, she has fallen from the heights of beauty,
and alas! drooped to the ground!
Truly nature is a harsh and cruel master
if such a beautiful flower cannot last
but from morning till dusk.

Therefore, if you believe me, my dearest child,
while you are in the age of flourishing,
in the green freshness of youth,
make the most of your young years!
For old age will steal your beauty,
as it has done to this dead flower.

~French madrigal from the 16th century based upon a poem by Pierre de Ronsard called “Mignonne, allons voir si la rose”