5445_0154

[…]
How sweet the world’s delights at distance eyed!
How bright to fancy’s view each joy untied!
Alas! when nearer placed, & duly weigh’d,
They prove an idle dream,  a vacant shade.
Experience’d age alone, and privilege, knows
Our joys are fleeting, permanent our woes.
But, to this mournful truth the youthful mind
Still, as it wont, let sweet delusion blind!
For all the pleasures cruel fate denies,
Hope can present, & fancy realize.