But let the candid mind confess that life hath aspects very desert-like.

Today prosperity grows like a fruitful tree; to-morrow adversity's hot winds wither every leaf.

God plants companion, child, or friend in the life-garden; but death blasts the tree under which the soul finds shelter; then begins the desert pilgrimage.

Soon comes loss of health; then the wealth of Croesus availeth not for refreshing sleep, and the wisdom of Solomon is vanity and vexation of spirit.

The common people, too, know blight and blast; their life is full of mortal toil and strife, its fruitage grief and pain.