One of the quaintest inscriptions mentioned in the Book of Sun-Dials is that which looks from the wall of a church at Argentière, near Vallouse. It was scarcely composed in an hour, and loses much in the translation:
Cette Montre Par Son Ombre Montre
Que Comme L’Ombre Passent Nos Jours.
(This marker marks by its shadow that our days pass away like a shadow).
There is much of moral coloring in these two lines:
Haste Traveller, The Sun Is Sinking Low
He Shall Return Again, But Never Thou.
And is this not altogether lovely?
Give God Thy Heart, Thy Hopes, Thy Gifts, Thy Gold,
The Day Wears On, The Times Are Waxing Old.