The Rift within the Lute.

How swift the slip from tune to twang!

Sweets bitter grow, as aye they did;

For e'en the Roman poet sang

"Surgit amari aliquid."

Our pigmy worries turn us grey;

And sorrows fierce are less acute;

Our hearts are riddled every day

With Rifts within the Lute.

You envy FORTUNATUS—rich—