Or like the sun, or like the shade, 5
Or like the gourd which Jonas had—
E’en such is man; whose thread is spun,
Drawn out, and cut, and so is done.
The rose withers; the blossom blasteth;
The flower fades; the morning hasteth; 10
The sun sets, the shadow flies;
The gourd consumes; and man he dies!
Like to the grass that’s newly sprung,
Or like a tale that’s new begun,