Have a Care

The world has many gaudy wings—
Have a care!
She flits among the flow’rs and sings—
Many a snare.
Beware
Of the hidden poisonous stings.

Earth’s pleasures are a golden cup—
Have a care!
She bids you take one little sup—
Many a snare.
Beware
Of the hidden sting in the cup.

Earth’s riches have a charm most rare—
Have a care!
She bids you seek a goodly share—
Many a snare.
Beware—
She will sting with many a care.

Vain worldly fame’s a painted flow’r—
Have a care!
She dwells in an enchanted bow’r—
Many a snare.
Beware—
She’ll chide you in an evil hour.

The world is but an empty show—
Have a care!
Of true joys a dangerous foe—
Many a snare.
Beware—
Her greatest gain’s oft deepest woe.