Charles Swain

We Live in a Very Strange World

How often our hopes have been given
To things that but mockeries be,
As the hills that seem touching on heaven
Are just as far off it as we!
The idols we worship are those
Which Fashion and Fortune can mould;
Other idols are shaped but of snows!
The world thinks of nothing but gold!
Once Truth her bright banner unfurl'd--
But we live in a very strange world.

We live in a very strange world--
Strange things are occurring each day;
But they pass without comment or word,
And to-morrow goes just the same way:
I used to imagine that hearts
Were the fountain of honour and worth,
And of all that a blessing imparts!
But they learn -- who live long upon earth,
Once Truth her bright banner unfurl'd--
But we live in a very strange world.

Once the laurel was Friendship's own leaf,
As constant -- as free from decay;
Now its emblem, alas, is more brief--
'Tis the flower that but lives for a day!
Like a honeycomb, rich and replete,
Is Society -- some people tell;
But if it be equally sweet,
It is equally hollow as well!
Once Truth her bright banner unfurl'd--
But we live in a very strange world.