What is time’s cunning? That it drives away
Our former haps with newer ones, more gay,
Or like the old. So man by taking thought
Perceives them ere their accidents are wrought,
And by such thinking banishes the past
And views the future, quiet and steadfast.
Then bear man’s portion like a man, my son,
The Lord of grief and comfort is but one.»
Then I awoke, and know not if to deem
This truth itself, or but a passing dream.