Classic Poem

I have built it strong and high,
I have made it fair and fine;
All the people passing by
Stop to praise this house of mine.
I have brought from far and near
Rarest things to fill it full;
I shall dwell for many a year
In my house so beautiful.

Then the Soul said: " But my house
Is so low and poor and small,
Through its windows dark with dust
I can scarcely see at all.
I must build a palace grand,
That eternally will stand. "

Ah! my house! its splendor wanes
All its lights are burning low;
Time has touched it with its stains,
One by one its treasures go.
See! it trembles to its fall,
Here is neither peace nor rest;
In my mansion fair and tall
I am but a transient guest.

Then the Soul said: " But my house
Stands unshaken, white as snow;
All its pillars rest in rock,
All its windows are aglow.
Earth may vanish, time may cease,
I shall dwell in perfect peace. "

I have built it strong and high,
I have made it fair and fine;
All the people passing by
Stop to praise this house of mine.
I have brought from far and near
Rarest things to fill it full;
I shall dwell for many a year
In my house so beautiful.

Then the Soul said: " But my house
Is so low and poor and small,
Through its windows dark with dust
I can scarcely see at all.
I must build a palace grand,
That eternally will stand. "

Ah! my house! its splendor wanes
All its lights are burning low;
Time has touched it with its stains,
One by one its treasures go.
See! it trembles to its fall,
Here is neither peace nor rest;
In my mansion fair and tall
I am but a transient guest.

Then the Soul said: " But my house
Stands unshaken, white as snow;
All its pillars rest in rock,
All its windows are aglow.
Earth may vanish, time may cease,
I shall dwell in perfect peace. "