p. 5 | OUR FLEETING LIFE

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 25, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 43.

OUR FLEETING LIFE.

Say, is there aught that can convey An image of life's transient stay? 'Tis a hand-breath; 'tis a tale; 'Tis a vessel under sail; 'Tis a courtier's straining steed; 'Tis a shuttle in its speed; 'Tis an eagle in its way, Darting down upon its prey; 'Tis an arrow in its flight, Mocking the pursuing sight; 'Tis a vapor in the air; 'Tis a whirlwind rushing there; 'Tis a short-lived, fading flower; 'Tis a rainbow or a shower; 'Tis a momentary ray, Shining on a winter's day; 'Tis a torrent's rapid stream; 'Tis a shadow; 'tis a dream; 'Tis the closing watch of night, Dying at the rising light; 'Tis a landscape vainly gay, Painted upon crumbling clay; 'Tis a lamp that wastes its fires; 'Tis a flame that quick expires; 'Tis a bubble; 'tis a sigh. Be prepared, O man, to die!" —Anon.