All Growth Has Bound

Prosperity
by John Henry Newman

When they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them.

When mirth is full and free
Some sudden gloom shall be;
When haughty power mounts high,
The watcher's axe is nigh;
All growth has bound: when greatest found,
It hastes to die.

When the rich town, that long
Has lain its huts among,
Builds court and palace vast,
And vaunts -- it shall not last!
Bright tints that shine are but a sign
Of summer past.

And when thine eye surveys,
With fond adoring gaze,
And yearning heart, thy friend,--
Love to its grave doth tend.
All gifts below, save Truth, but grow
Towards an end.