Thoughts eternal cast a gloom Over things of time; Save with minds where there is room To think beyond the world and tomb, About the sphere divine. [Illustration: SUNDIAL, EARLY 17th CENTURY. ] The glorious past all men recall, The present they pass by; But every hour that now doth pall, Shall live some mortal to enthral As part of history. [Illustration: SUNDIAL ON OLD BUILDING, MONTHEY CANTON, VALAIS. Date 1756. ] Like the ivy on a wall, Fond memory ever clings, Bringing back the hours to all, Those that please and those that pall, ’Till death oblivion brings. [Illustration: SUNDIAL AT THORPE PERROW, YORKSHIRE. Date 1756. ] Life soon will be a dream, A shadow of the past; And years that now each one doth deem Momentous, soon shall cease to seem Aught but a flash at last. [Illustration: SUNDIAL ON A CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS. Dated 1678. ] To-morrow is a dream, Thus when we awaken, To all men it doth seem, Unless this view is taken, A day they must redeem. [Illustration: SUNDIAL AT SCOTSCRAIG, FIFESHIRE. Date 17th Century. ] This sundial cast away I found, Bad men could not abide it, It taught a lesson far too sound— Stedfast to keep the daily round, And never stray outside it. [Illustration: SUNDIAL, LATE 18th CENTURY. ] We depict the sun with smiling face, While the man in the moon looks dour, Because old Sol keeps in his place, Nor, Luna-like, gets in disgrace, But shines with all his power. [Illustration: SUNDIAL ON HAYDON BRIDGE CHURCH, NORTHUMBERLAND. Date about 1796. ] Our life is like a spark, It dies while it doth burn, And though fond eyes its passage mark, Yet when ’tis gone and all is dark, None of its place can learn. [Illustration: SUNDIAL OVER A SHOP AT RYE. ] Time’s scythe is always sharp and keen, Since he needs it hour by hour. With steady step though never seen, He swings his blade with serious mien, And levels bud and flower. [Illustration: SUNDIAL ON CHÂTEAU DE JOSSELIN, FRANCE. Dated 1578. ]