John Dryden

All human things are subject to decay,
And when fate summons, monarchs must obey.

All human things are subject to decay,
And when fate summons, monarchs must obey.

What precious drops are those,
Which silently each other's track pursue,
Bright as young diamonds in their read more

What precious drops are those,
Which silently each other's track pursue,
Bright as young diamonds in their faint dew?

The people's prayer, the glad diviner's theme!
The young men's vision, and the old men's dream.

The people's prayer, the glad diviner's theme!
The young men's vision, and the old men's dream.

Deserted, at his utmost need,
By those his former bounty fed;
On the bare earth exposed he read more

Deserted, at his utmost need,
By those his former bounty fed;
On the bare earth exposed he lies,
With not a friend to close his eyes.

Not heaven itself upon the past has power;
But what has been, has been, and I have had my read more

Not heaven itself upon the past has power;
But what has been, has been, and I have had my hour.