When I consider how my time is spent
So near the end of our alloted days
And so much labor left before my gaze
That other tasks till lately did prevent,
With bitter sigh I bitterly repent
My early round of dallies and delays,
Like grasshopper that in the summer plays
Till bite of autumn changes his intent.
Now Haste has come and harries at my heel
With full score hounds, and crying the avaunt;
"To work, to work! it is not yet too late -
Stretch forth thy hand and grasp the mighty wheel
Thou hast let go; take up the task undaunt;
There is no time to only stand and wait!"