John Ford (1586–c. 1640)

From “The Broken Heart,” Act V. Scene 3

GLORIES, pleasures, pomps, delights, and ease,

Can but please

The outward senses, when the mind

Is or untroubled, or by peace refined.

Crowns may flourish and decay,

Beauties shine, but fade away.

Youth may revel, but it must

Lie down in a bed of dust.

Earthly honours flow and waste,

Time alone doth change and last.

Sorrows mingled with contents prepare

Rest for Care;

Love only reigns in death; though art

Can find no comfort for a Broken Heart.