Poems (Curwen)/A Word to the Boys

by Annie Isabel Curwen

A Word to the Boys.

Pray listen a moment, my brave little lad,
If your standard you'd pass, your teachers make glad,
Attend to your books, don't be thinking of play,
Persevere with your tasks, and you'll win the day.

    Chorus:—Time flies! Time flies!
        Use your ears and your eyes,
        "Early to bed and early rise."

"What is worth doing at all is worth doing well,"
Be it reading or writing, or learning to spell.
Is the sum hard to do? Then firmly resolve
It shall not conquer you, for the problem you'll solve.

    Chorus:—Time flies! Time flies!
        Hear the words of the wise:
        "All things are easy to him who tries."

Never be late, my lad, but try if you can
Always to be punctual, 'tis far the best plan;
Remember that this is a golden rule,
Whether at home, abroad, or at school.

    Chorus:—Time flies! Time flies!
        'Tis the laggard who cries
        Over lost opportunities.

Your manners please mind, your person keep clean,
And always be kind—to the weakest side lean;
Be truthful and honest, do good when you can,
And I'll warrant, my laddie, you'll grow up a man.

    Chorus:—Time flies! Time flies!
        'Tis the steady who rise,
        'Tis the noble we prize.