University of Virginia Library

CIII.

[The burden of an ancient rhyme]

The burden of an ancient rhyme
Is, “By the forelock seize on Time.”
Time in some corner heard it said;
Pricking his ears, away he fled;
And, seeing me upon the road,
A hearty curse on me bestow'd.
“What if I do the same by thee?
How wouldst thou like it?” thunder'd he,
And, without answer thereupon,
Seizing my forelock . . it was gone.