Psalm: Man, foolish and impotent man

Man, foolish and impotent man,
Attach'd to the things that appear,
He pants for a shadow in vain,
A shadow of happiness here!
His wants with his riches increase,
His labour and burden of mind;
And mock'd by the objects of sense.
He seeks what he never can find.
Psalm xxxvii. ' ' — xxxix. g.

If cursed with his wish, he obtains
His height of ambition below,
With empty enjoyments he gains
Vexation, and sorrow, and woe.
His spirit in bitterness groans,
Overwhelm'd by a mountain of care;
His folly defeated he owns.
And sinks in a gulf of despair.

If rational good he desire.
He misses his laudable end;
Nor wisdom its aim can acquire.
Nor virtue ensure us a friend.
No blessing on this side the skies
Can merit our love or esteem.
When virtue is pride in disguise.
And friendship itself is a dream.