NPM: Homo Bulla

Karel van Sichem, Homo Bulla

Today we've got a shortie attributed to Henry King and transcribed from a Penguin Classics collection called The Metaphysical Poets (which seems to have been updated and republished in recent years as Metaphysical Poetry).

Obviously I've got a penchant for memento mori stuff.


Sic Vita
Henry King(?) (1592-1669)

Like to the falling of a Starre;
Or as the flights of Eagles are;
Or like the fresh springs gawdy hew;
Or silver drops of morning dew;
Or like a wind that chafes the flood;
Or bubbles which on water stood;
Even such is man, whose borrowed light
Is streight call'd in and paid to night.

   The Wind blowes out; the Bubble dies;
   The Spring entomb'd in Autumn lies;
   The Dew dries up; the Starre is shot;
   The flight is past; and Man forgot.