Naught among mortals can endure forever;
Well spake the Chian bard that men like leaves
Perish and pass away; but few endeavour
To lay to heart the truth their ear receives:
Since each one for himself hath hope that springs
Like nature in the bosom of the strong,
And, while youth blooms with all delightful things,
Deaf hearts dream visions that must fade ere long.
For none believeth in old age or death,
Health on the sick couch turns a careless eye;
Fools, that their heart is hardened, when a breath
Blights all their bloom, and in an hour they die!
But thou remember this, and to life's goal
Draw from the good to satisfy thy soul.