Busy idleness urges us on.
[Lat., Strenua nos exercet inertia.]

Busy idleness urges us on.
[Lat., Strenua nos exercet inertia.]

Were't not affection chains thy tender days
To the sweet glances of thy honored love,
I rather read more

Were't not affection chains thy tender days
To the sweet glances of thy honored love,
I rather would entreat thy company
To see the wonders of the world abroad
Than, living dully sluggardized at home,
Wear out thy youth with shapeless idleness.

A nation rushing hastily too and fro, busily employed in idleness.

A nation rushing hastily too and fro, busily employed in idleness.

An idle life always produces varied inclinations.
[Lat., Variam semper dant otia mentem.]

An idle life always produces varied inclinations.
[Lat., Variam semper dant otia mentem.]

I live an idle burden to the ground.

I live an idle burden to the ground.

Idleness is emptiness; the tree in which the sap is stagnant,
remains fruitless.

Idleness is emptiness; the tree in which the sap is stagnant,
remains fruitless.

For idleness is an appendix to nobility.

For idleness is an appendix to nobility.

What heart can think, or tongue express,
The harm that groweth of idleness?

What heart can think, or tongue express,
The harm that groweth of idleness?

How various his employments whom the world
Calls idle; and who justly in return
Esteems that busy read more

How various his employments whom the world
Calls idle; and who justly in return
Esteems that busy world an idler too!