"All lovely things will have an ending, All lovely things will fade and die; And youth, that's now so bravely spending, Will beg a penny by and by"

This quote by Conrad Aiken speaks to the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. It is a pointer that all lovely things, such as youth, will ultimately concern an end. Aiken is recommending that the youth of today, who are so bravely investing their time, will one day be begging for a cent. This quote functions as a pointer to appreciate the charm of life while it lasts, as it will ultimately fade and die. It is a pointer to take advantage of our time and to not take life for approved. Aiken's quote is a sobering tip that life is brief which we need to maximize it while we can.