Classic Poem

130 Saturday, 15 June 1751

Non sic prata novo vere Decentia
Æstatis calidae dispoliat Vapor,
Saevit Solstitio cum medius dies; —
Ut Fulgor teneris qui radiat Genis
Momento rapitur, nullaque non Dies
Formosi Spolium Corporis abstulit.
Res est Forma fugax. Quis sapiens bono
Confidat fragili?

Seneca [Hippol. 764 71]

Not faster in the summer's ray
The spring's frail beauty fades away,
Than anguish and decay consume
The smiling virgin's rosy bloom.
Some beauty's snatch'd each day, each hour;
For beauty is a fleeting flow'r:
Then how can wisdom e'er confide
In beauty's momentary pride?