Ah! Why so vain, though in thy spring, Thou shining, frail adored and wretched thing: Old age will come, disease may come before, Fifteen is full as mortal as threescore, Thy fortune and thy charms may soon decay, But grant those fugitives prolong their stay, Their bases totter, the foundation shakes, Life that supports them in a moment brakes, Then wrought into the soul let virtue shine The ground eternal as the work divine.

Full Text: Ah! Why so vain, though in thy spring, Thou shining, frail adored and wretched thing: Old age will come, disease may come before, Fifteen is full as mortal as threescore, Thy fortune and thy charms may soon decay, But grant those fugitives prolong their stay, Their bases totter, the foundation shakes, Life that supports them in a moment brakes, Then wrought into the soul let virtue shine The ground eternal as the work divine.
Listed on Page Number: 285
Sampler Worked By: Sarah Ownings
Date of Sampler: 1799
Place Sampler Made: n.p.
Sampler Listed on Page: 67
Author/Publication/Country/Date: Edward Young. The Universal Passion, Satire VI, On Woman. London,England, 1728.
Notes: In the poem found the first line reads: “Ah! Why so vain, though blooming in thy spring. “ https://public-domain-poetry.com/edward-young/love-of-fame-the-universal-passion-in-seven-characteristical-satires-34598