Pronouncement

A lifetime’s but a narrow span
Within the countless ages;
And when into this world we’re born
Its length no one presages.
And as we journey on the trail
We’re sad, we’re glad, we’re gay,
So while we’re here just day on day
We pass our time away.
And then – –
No more we’ll view the eventide
Or greet the rising sun,
Still who can say we lived for naught
With Duty nobly done!