TIME HOW THOUGHTLESSLY WE LET IT PASS.

If we would wisely count our time,
'Tis not by the amount
Of years we've liv'd, but what improv'n,
And turned to account.

Alas! we trifles mind; but what
We're bound and ought to do,
We always practice with regret,
And seldom it pursue.

If we will take a look around
On all within our sight,
We'll see they're baubles all and toys,
In which men take delight!

Which makes us much despis'd while here;
And, when we're dead and gone,
Our mem'ry rots; we quite forgot,
And never thought upon!

Where we have liv'd no man can know,
Our steps he cannot trace;
For others have succeeded us,
And filled up our place!

Be wise in time, ye sons of men!
And wisdom true practice:
For very pleasant are her ways,
And all her paths are peace!