BALLAD. (Ah let not an instant of life…)

Ah let not an instant of life pass in vain, The moments escape us, and age brings on pain, Life's too precious, too fugitive joy, The flowers which yesterday Zephyr disclosed, Droop'd their head on their stalks before Phoebus repos'd, Thus one single day serves to form and destroy.

Then think not of ought but the moment that flies, To learn to be happy's to learn to be wise, Seize pleasure while pleasure's our own, Fear nothing, thou'rt mine, 'tis allotted above, Chance but obeyed fate, and blest with thy love, I envy no king on his throne.