To this conclusion I am brought at last,

That universal folly governs all;

For in this little life of ours, we seem

As strangers that have left their native home.

We make our first appearance from the realms

Of death and darkness, and emerge to light,

And join th' assembly of our fellow-men—

They who enjoy themselves the most, and drink,

And laugh, and banish care, or pass the day

In the soft blandishments of love, and leave