306 



"ALL IS VANITY." 



the future, for we willingly forget the present in the 

 anticipations, — in the deHghts to come from the con- 

 tests and struggles ahead ; and it is well that this is 

 so ; for that which we spend most time in getting 

 is often not worth the having. The Preacher tells us 

 that "All is vanity ;" and what says the Poet ? — 



a 



pleasures are like poppies spread ; 



You seize the flower — its bloom is shed ; 

 Or like the snow-fall in the river — 

 A moment white, then melts forever ; 

 Or like the borealis race, 

 That flits ere you can point the plac«.*' 



..^ '*-^x/^ 





