Time's an hand's-breadth; 'tis a tale; br 'Tis a vessel under sail; br 'Tis an eagle in its way, br Darting down upon its prey; br 'Tis an arrow in its flight, br Mocking the pursuing sight; br 'Tis a short-lived fading flower; br 'Tis a rainbow on a shower; br 'Tis a momentary ray, br Smiling in a winter's day; br 'Tis a torrent's rapid stream; br 'Tis a shadow; 'tis a dream; br 'Tis the closing watch of night, br Dying at the rising light; br 'Tis a bubble; 'tis a sigh; br Be prepared, O! man, to die.