Classic Poem

Learn O man! the worth of time,
By the lily's humble flowers;
Not alone the stars sublime
Mark for thee the rolling hours.

See below thee, at thy feet,
Where it lifts its purple bell;
Hear it hour by hour repeat,
" Day is passing, use it well."

Flower by flower blooms forth to die,
With the course of every sun;
On the rod they drooping lie,
Telling each of duty done.

Waste not then a single day,
That both heaven and earth record;
But, in cheerful haste, obey
Their harmonious-spoken word.

Rouse thee, ere thy life has flown,
Speak thy word, and do thy deed;
In the field of Time is sown,
Precious, and immortal seed.

Every seed thou sowest now
Shall a future harvest bear;
In the furrows of thy plough
Wave the wheat, or useless tare!