Vitae summa brevis spem nos vetat incohare longam
Dowson, Ernest (1867-1900)

They are not long, the weeping and the laughter,
   Love and desire and hate:
I think they have no portion in us after
       We pass the gate.

They are not long, the days of wine and roses:
   Out of a misty dream
Our path emerges for a while, then closes
       Within a dream.


The New Oxford Book of English Verse (Gardner)

full title: Vitae summa brevis spem nos vetat incohare longam