 | English melodies |  |
167
WHAT'S THE USE OF EXISTENCE.
What's the use of existence unless we enjoy it?
Though the sunlight of gladness but beam for a few,
Because it's so rare must we therefore destroy it—
And refuse an hour's pleasure because it's not two!
What's the use of a heart if it hold not affection?
What's fortune,—unless to distribute relief?
What's the use of a mind? surely not for dejection;
'Tis a power that should spring still immortal o'er grief.
Though the sunlight of gladness but beam for a few,
Because it's so rare must we therefore destroy it—
And refuse an hour's pleasure because it's not two!
What's the use of a heart if it hold not affection?
What's fortune,—unless to distribute relief?
What's the use of a mind? surely not for dejection;
'Tis a power that should spring still immortal o'er grief.
What's the use of regretting that life is no longer?
That age comes too soon—or that youth goes too fast?
If we fret for a week it will make us no younger,
The pleasures of earth are not pleasures to last!
What's the use of existence unless we enjoy it?
Though the sunlight of gladness but beam for a few,
Because it's so rare must we therefore destroy it,
And refuse an hour's pleasure because it's not two?
That age comes too soon—or that youth goes too fast?
If we fret for a week it will make us no younger,
The pleasures of earth are not pleasures to last!
168
Though the sunlight of gladness but beam for a few,
Because it's so rare must we therefore destroy it,
And refuse an hour's pleasure because it's not two?
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