Ah ! why have I built my Castle
On the shifting golden sand?
On the shores of the hungry ocean
Instead of the safe highland?

I ask myself, and I answer
These sands are the sands of youth,
And these waves are the surfs of passion
Of life, —and of death forsooth !

And I know in my heart I'd rather
Exist for but one short day
Where the breakers of life wash highest,
Love, live, and be swept away.