Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone;For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth, But has trouble enough of its own.Sing, and the hills will answer; Sigh, it is lost on the air;The echoes bound to a joyful sound, But shrink from voicing care.
Rejoice, and men will seek you; Grieve, and they turn and go;They want full measure of all your pleasure, But they do not need your woe.Be glad, and your friends are many; Be sad, and you lose them all, --There are none to decline your nectared wine, But alone you must drink life's gall.
Feast, and your halls are crowded; Fast, and the world goes by.Succeed and give, and it helps you live, But no man can help you die.There is room in the halls of pleasure For a large and lordly train,But one by one we must all file on Through the narrow aisles of pain.
