quote · Legacy record
Unconstant Earth! why do not mortals cease To build their hopes upon so short a lease? Uncertain lease, whose term but once begun, Tells never when it ends till it be done: We dote upon thy smiles, not knowing why, And whiles we but prepare to live, we die: We spring like flowers for a day’s delight, At noon we flourish, and we fade at night: We toil for kingdoms, conquer crowns, and then We that were Gods, but now, now less than men. If wisdom, learning, knowledge, cannot dwell Secure from change, vain bubble earth, farewell.
Unconstant Earth! why do not mortals cease To build their hopes upon so short a lease? Uncertain lease, whose term but once begun, Tells never when it ends till it be done: We dote upon thy smiles, not knowing why, And whiles we but prepare to live, we die: We spring like flowers for a day’s delight, At noon we flourish, and we fade at night: We toil for kingdoms, conquer crowns, and then We that were Gods, but now, now less than men. If wisdom, learning, knowledge, cannot dwell Secure from change, vain bubble earth, farewell.
Approximate author period: c. 1618 AD · renaissance
Meaning not yet available
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Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Francis Quarles
Attribution: attributed - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Approximate author period: c. 1618 AD · renaissance
author lifetime midpoint (1592–1644)
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 193 · printed citation: Francis Quarles · subject: EARTH
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