Rather like me, and some of your relations,

Take out a pleasant half-year’s nap,

Secure from trouble and mishap.”

“A pleasant nap, indeed!” replied the swallow

“When I can neither see nor fly,

The bright example I may follow

‘Till then, in truth, not I!

I measure time by its employment,

And only value life for life’s enjoyment

As good be buried all at once,