Beauty is brief. Of all the guests who come
When the lamps shine on flowers, and wine, and bread,
In time of famine who will spare a crumb?
Therefore, oh, next to God I pray you, keep
Yourself as your own friend, the tried, the true,
Sit your own watch—others will surely sleep,
Weep your own tears, ask none to die with you.
—Piatt.
