How shall your name go down in History,
In letters of gold, or enveloped in mystery;
In deeds of love, on pages of white,
In defense of the wrong in lieu of right —
In a selfish way will you carve your name?
Time surely will answer: What's in a name?

The leaves of your life each day are unfolding
Your deeds of to-day; to-morrow, beholding,
May tint your cheek with the blush of shame,
While your heart will question: What's in a name?
Will you gather the jewels spread out at your feet,
Or still with the idle ones find a seat?

No definite cause in the world pursuing —
In the idle brain mischief is ever brewing —
Can you find no work in the market-place,
Can you not with the horsemen contend in the race;
If the footmen outstrip you who is to blame?
Be careful in youth how you carve your name.