ON A WATCH .

While this gay toy attracts thy sight,
Thy reason let it warn;
And seize, my dear, that rapid time
That never must return.

If idly lost, no art or care
The blessing can restore:
And heav'n exacts a strict account
For ev'ry mis-spent hour.

Short is our longest day of life,
And soon it's prospects end:
Yet, on that day's uncertain date
Eternal years depend.

Yet equal to our being's aim
The space to virtue giv'n:
And ev'ry minute well improv'd
Secures an age in heav'n.