Even this shall pass away

The more we study human nature, the less we think of men – the more of man

What is fame? Fame is but a slow decay, Even this shall pass away

“What is wealth?” the king would say, “Even this shall pass away

“Life is done, but what is death?” Then, in answer to the King, Fell a sunbeam on his ring, Showing by a heavenly ray, “Even this shall pass away

I won a noble fame; But with a sudden frown, The people snatched my crown, And, in the mire, trod down My lofty name

But I account it worth All pangs of fair hopes crost All loves and honors lost, To gain the heavens, at cost Of losing earth

So, lest I be inclined To render ill for ill, Henceforth in me instill, O God, a sweet good-will