Catch, then, O catch the transient hour;
Improve each moment as it flies!

Catch, then, O catch the transient hour;
Improve each moment as it flies!

Wish to be what you are, and wish for no other position.

Wish to be what you are, and wish for no other position.

But this swift business
I must uneasy make, lest too light winning
Make the prize light.

But this swift business
I must uneasy make, lest too light winning
Make the prize light.

Like summer tempest came her tears:
Sweet my child, I live for thee.

Like summer tempest came her tears:
Sweet my child, I live for thee.

He that lives well sees a farre off.

He that lives well sees a farre off.

Two other tender drops, which ready stood,
Each in their crystal sluice.

Two other tender drops, which ready stood,
Each in their crystal sluice.

The way is an ill neighbour.

The way is an ill neighbour.

Extreme remedies are never the first to be resorted to.

Extreme remedies are never the first to be resorted to.

Deliberate before you begin; but, having carefully done so,
execute with vigour.

Deliberate before you begin; but, having carefully done so,
execute with vigour.