Ever vain the pursuit
After pleasures that fly,
And bequeath but a sigh,
With a tear in our eye:
Ashes the fruit!

Ever vain the pursuit,
Amid dreams that entrance,
After phantoms that dance,
After fame, — a mere chance:
Ashes the fruit!

Ever vain the pursuit,
Amid grief from the first,
After bubbles that burst,
After treasures that rust:
Ashes the fruit!