Combined, can break the witchcrafts of the world.

Behold, th’ inexorable hour at hand! 380

Behold, th’ inexorable hour forgot!

And to forget it, the chief aim of life,

Though well to ponder it, is life’s chief end.

Is Death, that ever threatening, ne’er remote,

That all-important, and that only sure

(Come when he will), an unexpected guest?

Nay, though invited by the loudest calls

Of blind imprudence, unexpected still;