The Brevity of Life

Poet unknown: Han Dynasty, or earlier

Our years on earth are brief,
But few a hundred win;
A thousand years of grief
Are packed therein.

The day quick takes its flight,
The dark is sad and long;
Then let us cheer the night
With feast and song.

The niggard thinks it wise
To save and live by rule;
But sages may arise
To call him fool!