John Dryden (1631–1700). The Poems of John Dryden. 1913.
Songs from the PlaysAh fading joy, how quickly art thou past!, from The Indian Emperor
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Yet we thy ruine haste:
As if the Cares of Humane Life were few,
We seek out new,
And follow Fate that does too fast pursue.
In their sweet notes their happiness.
They all enjoy and nothing spare;
But on their Mother Nature lay their care:
Why then should Man, the Lord of all below,
Such troubles chuse to know,
As none of all his Subjects undergo?
And with a Murmuring sound
Dash, dash, upon the ground,
To gentle slumbers call.