This the Lesson Taught to Me

 Emblems
by Richard Coe 

 Falleth now from off a tree,
 A wither'd leaf;
 This the lesson taught to me,
 Life is brief!
 Hear it say,
 "Mortal, soon thou'lt follow me
 To decay!" 

 Droppeth now from off my head,
 A silver hair;
 Plainer preacher never said,
 "For death prepare!"
 Fill'd with gloom,
 We follow Time with solemn tread,
 To the tomb! 

 Mounteth now on wings of air,
 To the sky,
 A little dew-drop, pure and clear;
Far up on high,
 Hear it say,
 "All above the Earth is fair,
 Watch and pray;
 Night or sorrow come not here, 
 'Tis perfect day!"