The Poetical Works of Ebenezer Elliott Edited by his Son Edwin Elliott ... A New and Revised Edition: Two Volumes |
 | I. |
| II. |
 | The Poetical Works of Ebenezer Elliott |  |
114
RUB OR RUST.
Idler, why lie down to die?
Better rub than rust.
Hark! the lark sings in the sky—
“Die when die thou must!
Day is waking, leaves are shaking,
Better rub than rust.”
Better rub than rust.
Hark! the lark sings in the sky—
“Die when die thou must!
Day is waking, leaves are shaking,
Better rub than rust.”
In the grave there's sleep enough—
“Better rub than rust:
Death, perhaps, is hunger-proof,
Die when die thou must;
Men are mowing, breezes blowing,
Better rub than rust.”
“Better rub than rust:
Death, perhaps, is hunger-proof,
Die when die thou must;
Men are mowing, breezes blowing,
Better rub than rust.”
He who will not work shall want;
Nought for nought is just—
Won't do, must do, when he can't;
“Better rub than rust.
Bees are flying, sloth is dying,
Better rub than rust.”
Nought for nought is just—
Won't do, must do, when he can't;
“Better rub than rust.
Bees are flying, sloth is dying,
Better rub than rust.”
| The Poetical Works of Ebenezer Elliott | |