Thus runs the mortal life of man.
When on his infant form we gaze,
Sweet Hope shines bright upon his days;
With tott'ring steps he treads the ground
And sheds his joyousness around,
Till, wending on through smiles and tears,
He meets the sea in manhood's years;
Then, for a moment flashing bright,
Is lost fore'er to mortal sight—
And his eternal life's began.