Be not too obdurate to us who pray

That this our transient grant of youth be spent

In laughter as befits a holiday,

From which the evening summons us away,

From which to-morrow wakens us to strife

And toil and grief and wisdom,—and to-day

Grudge us not life!

“O Madam Destiny, omnipotent,

Why need our elders trouble us at play?

We know that very soon we shall repent