We spring like flowers for a day’s delight,
At noon we flourish, and we fade at night:
We toil for kingdoms, conquer crowns, and then
We that were Gods, but now, now less than men.
If wisdom, learning, knowledge, cannot dwell
Secure from change, vain bubble earth, farewell.
Francis Quarles.
Earth’s cup
Is poisoned; her renown, most infamous;
Her gold, seem as it may, is really dust;