LIVE and laugh a little while; Live and laugh. When in childhood's happy hours, Like the young Spring's opening flowers, Perfumed joys we lightly quaff, A little while we live and laugh.
Live and sing a little while Live and sing. While life's cup with pleasure flows, Then the heart no sorrow knows; While our life is in its spring, A little while we live and sing.
Live and dream a little while; Live and dream. While fond aspiration's star Glows with promises afar, And ambition makes its beam, A little while we live and dream.
Live and love a little while; Live and love. While young beauty tints the brow, And the heart's warm pulses flow; Ere old Time youth's charm remove, A little while we live and love.
Live and weep a little while; Live and weep. For our pleasures long since fled, For sweet friendships lost and dead, Tears of grief the fond heart steep; A little while we live and weep.
Passing by a little while; Passing by, Go our brief and sadful hours, With their burden of heart-flowers Faded, withered, crushed, and dry: A little while we live,—then die.
