Because the meteor sparkles to deceive.
But I, a stranger and a pilgrim here,
Must learn the same sad lesson o’er and o’er,
That all is changeful in this dying world.
I clasp a shadow to my foolish heart,
Then weep to find my arms are empty still!
O! could I but remember that on earth
My dearest treasures are a loan from Heaven,
And may at any moment be recall’d,
I should prepare my heart for each sad loss.