Why do strong arms fatigue themselves with frivolous dumb-bells?
To dig a vineyard is a worthier exercise for men.

Why do strong arms fatigue themselves with frivolous dumb-bells?
To dig a vineyard is a worthier exercise for men.

How many a rustic Milton has passed by,
Stifling the speechless longings of his heart,
In unremitting read more

How many a rustic Milton has passed by,
Stifling the speechless longings of his heart,
In unremitting drudgery and care!
How many a vulgar Cato has compelled
His energies, no longer tameless then,
To mould a pin, or fabricate a nail!

When Adam dolve, and Eve span,
Who was then the gentleman?

When Adam dolve, and Eve span,
Who was then the gentleman?

Let us take to our hearts a lesson--
No lesson could braver be--
From the ways of read more

Let us take to our hearts a lesson--
No lesson could braver be--
From the ways of the tapestry weavers
On the other side of the sea.

The fiction pleased; our generous train complies,
Nor fraud mistrusts in virtue's fair disguise.
The work she read more

The fiction pleased; our generous train complies,
Nor fraud mistrusts in virtue's fair disguise.
The work she plyed, but, studious of delay,
Each following night reversed the toils of day.

People intoxicate themselves with work so they won't see how they really are.

People intoxicate themselves with work so they won't see how they really are.

You're blessed if you have the strength to work.

You're blessed if you have the strength to work.

The work under our labour grows
Luxurious by restraint.

The work under our labour grows
Luxurious by restraint.

But when dread Sloth, the Mother of Doom, steals in,
And reigns where Labour's glory was to serve,
read more

But when dread Sloth, the Mother of Doom, steals in,
And reigns where Labour's glory was to serve,
Then is the day of crumbling not far off.