The monarch oak, the patriarch of the trees.
Shoots rising up, and spreads by slow degrees.
Three centuries he grows, and three he stays
Supreme in state; and in three more decays. [ Dryden ]

In one day it opens its blossoms, in one day it decays. [ Auson. of the rose ]

We plainly perceive that the mind strengthens and decays with the body. [ Lucretius ]

If we see nature as pausing, immediately all mortifies and decays; but seen as progressing, she is beautiful. [ Thoreau ]

Brethren, life is passing; youth goes, strength decays. But duty performed, work done for God - this abides forever, this alone is imperishable. [ Richard Fuller ]

False friendship, like the ivy, decays and ruins the walls it embraces; but time friendship gives new life and animation to the object it supports. [ R. Burton ]

In human life there is a constant mutability; and it is unreasonable to expect an exemption from the common fate; life itself decays, and all things are daily changing. [ Plutarch ]

In human life there is a constant change of fortune; and it is unreasonable to expect an exemption from the common fate. Life itself decays, and all things are daily changing. [ Plutarch ]

What money creates, money preserves: if thy wealth decays, thy honor dies; it is but a slippery happiness which fortunes can give, and frowns can take: and not worth the owning which a night's fire can melt, or a rough sea can drown. [ Quarles ]

There is a story of some mountains of salt in Cumana, which never diminished, though carried away in much abundance by merchants; but when once they were monopolized to the benefit of a private purse, then the salt decreased, till afterward all were allowed to take of it, when it had a new access and increase. The truth of this story may be uncertain, but the application is true; he that envies others the use of his gifts decays then, but he thrives most that is most diffusive. [ Spencer ]