And let no flower of spring pass us by:

Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds, before they be withered:

Let none of us go without his share in our proud revelry:

Everywhere let us leave tokens of our mirth:

Because this is our portion, and our lot is this.

Let our strength be to us a law of righteousness;

For that which is weak is convicted to be of no service.’

Thus reasoned they, and they were led astray;

For their wickedness blinded them,

And they knew not the mysteries of God,