1. If people saw the course of fate
Revolving with justice in its gait

2. And saw the stars' spheres so bright
Radiating their light

3. With insight's constant vision
Unveiling all curtains of derision

4. They'd see their reign, they so vaunt
Is really no significance or want

5. And see a pauper, with his simple attire
Owning all wealth he may desire

6. And see a rich man, brought to nothing
The next day, all fortunes stripping

7. And see the home which they departed
To the abode of vanity's broken-hearted

8. And see the source of joys they tasted
Before the resurrection, unveiled, laid wasted

9. And see the traces of ages cycling
In matters, carefully entwining

10. Evident, damning affairs
In clearly writ lines, as prayers

11. Passing, returning themes
In dusk and dawn's beams