Walter Murdoch (1874–1970). The Oxford Book of Australasian Verse. 1918.

169. Momentary

THE SWEETEST song was ever sung

May soothe you but a little while:

The gayest music ever rung

Shall yield you but a fleeting smile.

The well I digged you soon shall pass:

You may but rest with me an hour:

Yet drink, I offer you the glass,

A moment of sustaining power,

And give to you, if it be gain,

Whether in pleasure or annoy,

To see one elemental pain,

One light of everlasting joy.