How fading are the joys we dote upon!
Like apparitions seen and gone;
But those which soonest read more

How fading are the joys we dote upon!
Like apparitions seen and gone;
But those which soonest take their flight
Are the most exquisite and strong;
Like angel's visits short and bright,
Mortality's too weak to bear them long.

Joy makes us giddy, dizzy.
[Ger., Die Freude macht drehend, wirblicht.]

Joy makes us giddy, dizzy.
[Ger., Die Freude macht drehend, wirblicht.]

Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow

Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow

Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself

Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself

My plenteous joys,
Wanton in fullness, seek to hide themselves
In drops of sorrow.

My plenteous joys,
Wanton in fullness, seek to hide themselves
In drops of sorrow.

He who binds to himself a joy doth the winged life destroy. But he who kisses the joy as it read more

He who binds to himself a joy doth the winged life destroy. But he who kisses the joy as it flies lives in Eternity's sunrise.

And, e'en while fashion's brightest arts decoy,
The heart, distrusting, asks if this be joy.

And, e'en while fashion's brightest arts decoy,
The heart, distrusting, asks if this be joy.

Capacity for joy
Admits temptation.

Capacity for joy
Admits temptation.

It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy we face the storm and defy it.

It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy we face the storm and defy it.