A DREAM that waketh, Bubble that breaketh, Song whose burden sigheth, A passing breath, Smoke that vanisheth, -- Such is life that dieth. A flower that fadeth, Fruit the tree sheddeth, Trackless bird that flieth, Summer time brief, -- Falling of the leaf, -- Such is life that dieth. A scent exhaling, Snow waters failing, Morning dew that drieth, A windy blast, Lengthening shadows cast, Such is life that dieth. A scanty measure, Rust-eaten treasure, Spending that nought buyeth, Moth on the wing, Toil unprofiting, -- Such is life that dieth. Morrow by morrow Sorrow breeds sorrow, For this my song sigheth; From day to night We lapse out of sight. -- Such is life that dieth. |