219 
But when the varying seasons glide away, 
When Spring and Summer have withdrawn their sway, 
And Autumn’s gales, and Winter’s storms depart, 
The startling lesson touches every heart; 
The fearful truth strikes home, — a year has fled, — 
We pause, — look back, — and mark its course with dread ! — 
Its vast events we gather at a glance, 
And wake in wonder from the spirit’s trance; 
Another bolt from Time’s bent bow is hurled, 
Another warning to the slumbering world. 
Appaled we scan the fleeting scenes of life, — 
The past, — the future, — all is care and strife! — 
Now thought springs up, and urges back the mind, 
To pleasure’s transient moments, left behind ; 
We weigh their worth against the general wo, 
And own Earth’s pageant but a fitful show; 
With chastened hearts we raise to Heaven our eyes, 
And the soul’s anchor cast beyond the skies. 
