Enjoy Life's Good Things while you may

On the hills are the thorny elms,
The white elm in the vales. —
The master has robes and gowns,
Yet never a train he trails.
The master has carriage and steeds,
Yet drives not, rides not he.
In death he must part with all, —
To another's delight and glee!

On the hill is the varnish-wood,
The wood for the bow below. —
The master has courts and halls;
Nor water nor brush they know.
The master has bells and drums;
Nor bell nor drum strikes he.
In death he must part with all, —
And some other the owner be.

On the hill is the lacquer-tree,
And the chestnut at the foot. —
The master has meats and drinks;
Why daily not thrum the lute,
And cheery enjoyment take,
And livelong make the day?
For in death he must leave his home,
Where another will find his way.