Short is the date and narrow is…

Short is the date and narrow is the span, Which bounds the little life of foolish man. Gay scenes of bliss the ravish'd soul surprize, Raise his vain hopes, and glitter in his eyes; Of swelling titles he supinely dreams, Vast are his projects, and refin'd his schemes; But when his morning views of joy are past, The melancholy ev'ning comes at last; The tyrant, death, a hasty summons sends, And all his momentary glory ends.

SINCE then old time steals all away, Take heed the sunshine of your day Nought but true joys may find: To proper use apply what's sent; For know no beauty's permanent, But beauty of the mind.