THE night of death will soon descend; a few short years and then the
end, and perfect rest is ours; forgotten by the busy throng, we’ll
sleep, while seasons roll along, beneath the grass and flowers. Our
sojourn in this world is brief, so why go hunting care and grief, why
have a troubled mind? And what’s the use of getting mad, and making
folks around us sad, by saying words unkind? Why not abjure the base and
mean, why not be sunny and serene, from spite and envy free? Why not be
happy while we may, and make our little earthly stay a joyous jamboree?
We’re here for such a little while! And then we go and leave the pile
for which we strive and strain; worn out and broken by the grind, we go,
and leave our wads behind—such effort’s all in vain. We break our hearts
and twist our souls acquiring large and useless rolls of coins and
kindred things, and when we reach St. Peter’s Town, they will not buy a
sheet-iron crown, or cast-off pair of wings.
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