Ann Radcliffe

Song

Life's a varied, bright illusion,
  Joy and sorrow—-light and shade;
Turn from sorrow's dark suffusion,
  Catch the pleasures ere they fade.

Fancy paints with hues unreal,
  Smile of bliss, and sorrow's mood;
If they both are but ideal,
  Why reject the seeming good?

Hence! no more! 'tis Wisdom calls ye,
  Bids ye court Time's present aid;
The future trust not—-Hope enthrals ye,
  'Catch the pleasures ere they fade.'"