Mutability

Soprano and Piano

Poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Music by Aric Vyhmeister

Sabina Balsamo, soprano; Aric Vyhmeister, piano

“Mutability” (1821-1822) | Percy Bysshe Shelley

1

The flower that smiles today

Tomorrow dies;

All that we wish to stay,

Tempts and then flies.

What is this world's delight? Lightning that mocks the night,

Brief even as bright.

2

Virtue, how frail it is!

Friendship how rare!

Love, how it sells poor bliss

For proud despair!

But we, though soon they fall, Survive their joy and all

Which ours we call.

3

Whilst skies are blue and bright,

Whilst flowers are gay,

Whilst eyes that change ere night

Make glad the day,

Whilst yet the calm hours creep, Dream thou – and from thy sleep

Then wake to weep.