Procrastination

Wretch that I am! what friendly pow'r
Shall fix my wav'ring soul,
Teach me to seize the present hour,
And custom's charms control?

Why thus persist, from day to day,
To err, in Wisdom's spite?
I see my path — why then delay
What Reason tells, is right?

The present day th' attempt is vain:
We've something still to do:
But when to-morrow comes, 'tis plain,
That will be present too:

And then the same reluctant will,
T' attend th' ungrateful theme,
Will thwart our resolutions still,
And frustrate ev'ry scheme.

How soon, amidst these saint resolves,
The spring of life is o'er!
How quick each annual sun revolves,
But — youth returns no more.

Manhood to youth, and soon old age
To manhood's strength succeeds:
O! then let each successive stage
Be mark'd by virtuous deeds.

Whilst yet your strength of mind remains,
Resist the rising storm:
Break loose from passion's irksome chains,
And ev'ry vice reform.

Dare to be wise! begin to-day,
Nor trust uncertain Fate:
Your long-plann'd reformation may
To-morrow come too late.

To-morrow, oh! how oft you swore
To change your course, my friend!
Thus 'twill be always one day more,
Ere you begin to mend.

"When once I've finish'd this affair,
My actions I'll review:
And when I've brought that scheme to bear,
Begin my life anew."

The Idiot thus, who saw his way
Across the Severn lie,
Resolv'd upon its banks to stay,
Till all the stream ran by.

But torrents with united force,
Augment the copious river;
Which proudly still pursues its course,
And murmuring flows for ever.