What Is Life, Or Worldly Pleasure
William Byrd
What is life, or worldly pleasure?
Seeming shadows quickly sliding.
What is wealth or golden treasure?
Borrowed Fortune never biding.
What is grace or Princes' smiling?
Hoped honour, time beguiling.
What are all in one combined,
which divided so displease?
Apish toys, and vain delights,
mind's unrest, and soul's disease.