The Falling Leaves.

SEE the leaves around us falling, Dry and withered to the ground: Thus to thoughtless mortals calling, In a sad and solemn sound:

Youth on length of days presuming, Who the path of pleasure tread, View us, late in beauty blooming, Number'd now among the dead. What tho' yet no losses grieve you, Gay with health and many a grace, Let not cloudless skies deceive you, Summer gives to autumn place.

Yearly in our course returning, Messengers of shortest stay; Thus we preach this truth concerning, Heav'n and earth shall pass away.

On the tree of life eternal, Let our hopes of heav'n be laid! This alone, forever vernal, Bears a leaf that shall not fade.