The gods have been good to you. But what the gods give they quickly take away. You have only a few years in which to live really, perfectly, and fully. When your youth goes, your beauty will go with it, and then you will suddenly discover that there are no triumphs left for you, or have to content yourself with those mean triumphs that the memory of your past will make more bitter than defeats. Every month as it wanes bring you nearer to something dreadful. Time is jealous of you, and wars against your lilies and your roses.

Summary

This quote highlights the ephemeral nature of life's blessings and serves as a reminder of the passing of time. It suggests that even though we may experience favorable circumstances, such as youth, beauty, and triumphs, they are transient. The quote implies that as time progresses, these blessings fade away, leaving us with a sense of regret and the realization that our past accomplishments may become bitter memories. The notion of time being "jealous" and warring against our youthful beauty, represented by "lilies and roses," adds a sense of urgency to make the most out of life before it slips away.

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