In life’s gay morn, when sprightly youth
with vital ardour glows,
And shines in all the fairest charms
which beauty can disclose;

Deep on thy soul, before its pow’rs
are yet by vice enslaved,
Be thy Creator’s glorious name
and character engraved.

For soon the shades of grief shall cloud
the sunshine of thy days;
And cares, and toils, in endless round,
encompass all thy ways.

Soon shall thy heart the woes of age
in mournful groans deplore,
And sadly muse on former joys,
that now return no more.