The flower that smile today

Tomorrow dies;

All that we wish to stay

Tempts and then flies;

What is this world's delight,

Brief even as bright.--

Virtue, how frail it 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 wake to weep.