How fading are the joys we dote upon! Like apparitions seen and gone. But those which soonest take their flight Are the most exquisite and strong, Like angels visits, short and bright;3 Mortality s too weak to bear them long.
Note 2. Leads the way in the stage editions, which contain various interpolations, among them
See the conquering hero comes! Sound the trumpet, beat the drums!
which was first used by Handel in Joshua, and afterwards transferred to Judas Maccabæus. The text of both oratorios was written by Dr. Thomas Morell, a clergyman. [back]
Note 3. Like those of angels, short and far between.Robert Blair: The Grave, line 588.
Like angel visits, few and far between.Thomas Campbell: Pleasures of Hope, part ii. line 378. [back]