A Slothful Youth

Beside the road in youth I sat in slumber,
The passers hailed and told me it was day;
"But, ah!" said I, "my days are great in number."
And soundly slept, regardless of their say.
Now, here I sit; the night has come upon me;
I fain would go, but darkness hides my way.
I'd turn toGod that He would look upon me;
I've now forgot the prayer I used to pray.
Yet, while I sit and vainly wait, the morning,
I yearn to tell, but ah! it is too late.
That he who sleeps at day and fails the warning,
Shall wake at night, the dreadful ultimate.