If you ever

If you're ever gonna love me,
Love me now, while can know;
All the sweet and tender feelings,
Which from real affection flow;

Love me now, while I am living;
Do not wait til I am gone;
And then chisel it in marble,
Warm words on ice-cold stone;
I won't need your kind caresses,
When the grass grows o'er my face;
I won't crave your love or kisses,
In my last resting place;
So then, if you love me any,
Even if it's but a little bit;
Let me know while living;
So I can own and tresure it