But I have learned a thing or two: I know as sure as fate,
When we lock up our lives for wealth, the gold key comes too late.

will carleton
Will Carleton (1845-1912) American poet [William McKendree Carleton]
“The Ancient Miner’s Story,” st. 13, Harper’s Weekly (1884-03-22)
    (Source)

Collected in Over the Hill to the Poor-house and Other Poems (1895).