XXIII.—THE WORK OF TO-DAY.
CHARLES MACKAY.
1. If Fortune with a smiling face,
Strew roses on our way,
When shall we stoop to pick them up?
To-day, my friend, to-day.
But should she frown with face of care.
And talk of coming sorrow,
When shall we grieve if grieve[203] we must?
To-morrow, friend, to-morrow.
2. If those who’ve wronged us, own their fault,
And kindly pity pray,
When shall we listen, and forgive?
To-day, my friend, to-day.
But, if stern[204] Justice urge[205] rebuke,[206]
And warmth from Memory borrow,
When shall we chide,[207] if chide we dare?
To-morrow, friend, to-morrow.
3. If those to whom we owe a debt,
Are harmed unless we pay,
When shall we struggle to be just?
To-day, my friend, to-day.
But, if our debtor[208] fail our hope,
And plead his ruin thorough,[209]
When shall we weigh his breach[210] of faith?
To-morrow, friend, to-morrow.
4. For virtuous[211] acts, and harmless joys,
The minutes will not stay;
We’ve always time to welcome them,
To-day, my friend, to-day.
But care, resentment,[212] angry words,
And unavailing sorrow,
Come far too soon, if they appear
To-morrow, friend, to-morrow.
[203] Grieve, mourn, sorrow.
[204] Stern, severe, rigid.
[205] Urge, press, impel.
[206] Re-bukeˊ, reproof, reprehension.
[207] Chide, blame, reproach.
[208] Debtˊ-or, one that owes.
[209] Thorˊ-ough, complete, perfect.
[210] Breach, non-fulfillment, violation.
[211] Virˊ-tuous, morally good.
[212] Re-sentˊ-ment, retaliation.