* * * * *
TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW.
If Fortune, with a smiling face,
Strew roses on our way,
When shall we stoop to pick them up?--
To-day, my friend, 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, friend, to-morrow.
If those who have wronged us own their fault,
And kindly pity pray,
When shall we listen and forgive?--
To-day, my friend, to-day.
But if stern justice urge rebuke,
And warmth from memory borrow,
When shall we chide, if chide we dare?--
To-morrow, friend, to-morrow.
If those to whom we owe a debt
Are harmed unless we pay,
When shall we struggle to be just?--
To-day, my friend, to-day.
But if our debtor fail our hope,
And plead his ruin thorough,
When shall we weigh his breach of faith?--
To-morrow, friend, to-morrow.
For virtuous acts and harmless joys
The minutes will not stay;--
We have always time to welcome them
To-day, my friend, to-day.
But care, resentment, angry words,
And unavailing sorrow,
Come far too soon, if they appear
To-morrow, friend, to-morrow.
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