Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
237
Delay.
See Time to be used.
Delay gives Strength: the tender bladed Grain,
Shot up to Stalk, can stand the Wind and Rain.
The Tree, whose Branches now are grown too big
For Hands to bend, was set a tender Twig:
When planted, to the slightest Touch 'twou'd yield,
But now has got Possession of the Field.
Resist at first: for Help in vain we pray,
When Ills have gain'd full Strength by long Delay.
Be speedy: for who's not to Day inclin'd,
To morrow we shall more unwilling find.—
Shot up to Stalk, can stand the Wind and Rain.
The Tree, whose Branches now are grown too big
For Hands to bend, was set a tender Twig:
When planted, to the slightest Touch 'twou'd yield,
But now has got Possession of the Field.
Resist at first: for Help in vain we pray,
When Ills have gain'd full Strength by long Delay.
Be speedy: for who's not to Day inclin'd,
To morrow we shall more unwilling find.—
Who till to Morrow would his Work delay:
His lazy Morrow will be like to Day.
But is one Day of Ease too much to borrow?
Yes, sure; for Yesterday was once to Morrow.
That Yesterday is gone, and nothing gain'd:
And all thy fruitless Days will thus be drain'd:
For Thou hast more to Morrows still to ask,
And wilt be ever to begin thy Task:
Who, like the hindmost Chariot Wheels, art curst
Still to be near, but ne'er to reach the first.—
His lazy Morrow will be like to Day.
But is one Day of Ease too much to borrow?
Yes, sure; for Yesterday was once to Morrow.
That Yesterday is gone, and nothing gain'd:
And all thy fruitless Days will thus be drain'd:
For Thou hast more to Morrows still to ask,
And wilt be ever to begin thy Task:
Who, like the hindmost Chariot Wheels, art curst
Still to be near, but ne'er to reach the first.—
Stop the Disease in Time: for, when within
The Dropsy rages, and extends the Skin,
In vain for Hellebore the Patient cries,
And fees the Doctor, but too late is wise.
What then avail his offer'd Bags of Wealth?
Not all the Colledge can restore his Health.—
The Dropsy rages, and extends the Skin,
In vain for Hellebore the Patient cries,
And fees the Doctor, but too late is wise.
What then avail his offer'd Bags of Wealth?
Not all the Colledge can restore his Health.—
He's got half way that has his Work begun:
Then dare be wise, and venture boldly on:
Begin to live: this Moment's in thy Pow'r,
Employ it then, nor wait a fitter Hour,
Like some dull Clown, who at a River's Side
Expecting stands, in Hopes the running Tide
Will all e'er long be past:—Fool! not to know,
It still has flow'd the same, and will for ever flow.—
Then dare be wise, and venture boldly on:
Begin to live: this Moment's in thy Pow'r,
Employ it then, nor wait a fitter Hour,
Like some dull Clown, who at a River's Side
Expecting stands, in Hopes the running Tide
Will all e'er long be past:—Fool! not to know,
It still has flow'd the same, and will for ever flow.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |