Scarcely we paused to glance aside,

As we mocked the dullards, who watched at leisure

The frantic race that we chose to ride.

Yes, youth is the time when a master-passion,

Or love or ambition, our nature fills;

And each of us rode in a different fashion—

All of us rode at the pace that kills!

And vainly, O friends, ye strive to bind us;

Flippantly, gaily, we answer you:—

“Should atra cura[25] jump up behind us,