The flower that smiles today
Tomorrow dies;
All that wish to stay
Tempts and then flies;
What is this world's delight?
Lightning,that mocks the night
Brief even as bright.
Virtue, how frail is is!——
Friendship, how rare!——
love, how it sells poor bliss
For proud despair!
But these though soon they fall,
Survive their joy, and all
Which ours we call,——
Whilst skies are blue and bright,
whilst flowers are gay,
Whilst eyes that change ere night
Make glad the day;
Whilst yet the calm hours creep,
Dream thou——and from thy sleep
Then make weep.