Abraham Cowley

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in
overalls and looks like work.

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in
overalls and looks like work.

Vain, weak-built isthmus, which dost proudly rise
Up between two eternities!

Vain, weak-built isthmus, which dost proudly rise
Up between two eternities!

Nothing is there to come, and nothing past,
But an eternal Now does always last.

Nothing is there to come, and nothing past,
But an eternal Now does always last.

Stones of small worth may lie unseen by day,
But night itself does the rich gem betray.

Stones of small worth may lie unseen by day,
But night itself does the rich gem betray.

Poets by Death are conquer'd but the wit
Of poets triumphs over it.

Poets by Death are conquer'd but the wit
Of poets triumphs over it.