 | The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay |  |
PROCRASTINATIONS.
I
If Fortune with a smiling faceStrew roses on our way,
When shall we stoop to pick them up?—
To-day, my love, to-day.
But should she frown with face of care,
And talk of coming sorrow,
When shall we grieve, if grieve we must?—
To-morrow, love, to-morrow.
190
II
If those who've wrong'd us own their faults,And kindly pity pray,
When shall we listen and forgive?—
To-day, my love, to-day.
But if stern Justice urge rebuke,
And warmth from Memory borrow
When shall we chide, if chide we dare?—
To-morrow, love, to-morrow.
III
If those to whom we owe a debtAre harm'd unless we pay,
When shall we struggle to be just?—
To-day, my love, to-day.
But if our debtor fail our hope,
And plead his ruin thorough,
When shall we weigh his breach of faith?—
To-morrow, love, to-morrow.
IV
If Love, estranged, should once againHis genial smile display,
When shall we kiss the proffer'd lips?—
To-day, my love, to-day.
But if he would indulge regret,
Or dwell with bygone sorrow,
When shall we weep, if weep we must?—
To-morrow, love, to-morrow.
191
V
For virtuous acts and harmless joysThe minutes will not stay:
We've always time to welcome them
To-day, my love, to-day.
But care, resentment, angry words,
And unavailing sorrow,
Come far too soon, if they appear
To-morrow, love, to-morrow.
| The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay | |