This world is all a fleeting show

This world is all a fleeting show,

For man's illusion given;

The smiles of joy, the tears of woe,

Deceitful shine, deceitful flow --

There's nothing true but heaven!

And false the light on glory's plume,

As fading hues of even;

And love and hope and beauty's bloom,

are blossoms gathered for the tomb;

There's nothing bright but heaven.

Poor wonderers of a stormy day!

From wave to wave we're driven,

And fancy's flash and reason's ray

Serve but to light the troubled way --

There's nothing calm but heaven.