Classic Poem

Shall man from Nature's sanction stray,
With blind Opinion for his guide,
And, rebel to her rightful sway,
Leave all her bounties unenjoy'd?
Fool! Time no change of motion knows;
With equal speed the torrent flows
To sweep fame, power, and wealth away:
The past is all by death possest;
And frugal Fate that guards the rest,
By giving, bids him live to-day.