The Frailty of Man's Life

THE Life we strive to lengthen out,
Is like a Feather rais'd from Ground,
A while in Air 'tis tost about,
And almost lost as soon as found;

If it continue long in sight,
'Tis sometimes high and sometimes low,
Yet proudly aims a tow'ring Flight,
To make the more conspicuous Show.

The Air with ease its Weight sustains,
Since 'tis by Nature light, and frail;
Seldom in quiet State remains,
For Troops of Dangers it assail.

And after various Conflicts with its Foes,
It drops to Earth, the Earth from whence it rose.