But, now and then, or so it seemed, the reasons he would seek

For working on, were quite far-fetched and faulty, so to speak,

But, oh, they were not half so “thin” as are the many weak

Excuses lazy people give for shirking.

LONGFELLOW’S BIRTHPLACE PORTLAND ME.


[CHAPTER V]
THE VALUE OF SPARE MOMENTS

Not only strike while the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.—Cromwell.