Vain, short-lived and miserable Man

from Vanity of Vanities

VAIN, short-lived and miserable Man,

Learn what thou art when thy estate is best.

A restless Wave o' th' troubled Ocean,

A Dream, a lifeless Picture finely drest.

A Wind a Flower, a Vapour and a Bubble,

A Wheel that stands not still, a trembling Reed,

A trolling Stone, dry Dust, light Chaff and Stuff,

A shadow of something but truly nought indeed.

Learn what deceitful Toyes, and empty things,

The World, and its best enjoyments bee:

Out of the Earth no true Contentment springs,

But all things here are vexing Vanitie.

For what is Beauty but a fading Flower?

Or what is Pleasure, but the Devil's bait,

Whereby he catcheth whom he would devour,

And multitudes of souls doth ruinate?

And what are Friends, but mortal men, as we,

Whom Death from us may quickly separate;

Or else their hearts may quite estrangéd be,

And all thier love be turnéd into hate.

And what are Riches to be doted on?

Uncertain, fickle, and ensnaring things;

They draw Mens Souls into Perdition,

And when most needed, take them to their wings.

Ah foolish man! that sets his heart upon

Such empty shadows, such wild Fowl as these,

That being gotten will be quickly gone,

And whilst they stay increase but his disease.

Michael Wigglesworth