1 In life’s gay morn, when sprightly youth
with vital ardour glows,
and shines in all the fairest charms
which beauty can disclose;
2 deep on thy soul, before its pow'rs
are yet by vice enslav'd,
be thy Creator’s glorious name
and character engrav'd.

3 For soon the shades of grief shall cloud
the sunshine of thy days,
and cares, and toils, in endless round,
encompass all thy ways.
4 Soon shall thy heart the woes of age
in mournful groans deplore,
and sadly muse on former joys,
that now return no more.