When the sun comes up we work,
when the sun goes down we rest.
We dig a well to drink,
plow the fields to eat —
the Emperor and his might — what are they to us!

The Brightest Star's the modestest ,
And more'n likely writes
His motto like the lightnin'-bug's —
Accordin' To His Lights.

When the sea comes in at Horsey Gap
Without any previous warning,
A swan shall build its rushy nest
On the roof of the Swan at Horning.

And a bald headed crow, contented and merry,
Shall feast on the corpses that float by the ferry.

When the hurricane unfolds
Its fierce accordion of winds,
On the tip of its toes,
Agile dancer, it sweeps whirling
Over the carpeted surface of the sea
With the scattered branches of the palm.

When the elephant's-ear in the park
Shrivelled in frost,
And the leaves on the paths
Ran like rats,
Your lamp-light fell
On shining pillows,
Of sea-shades and sky-shades,
Like umbrellas in Java.

When, staunchly entering port,
After long ventures, hauling up, worn and old,
Batter'd by sea and wind, torn by many a fight,
With the original sails all gone, replaced, or mended,
I only saw, at last, the beauty of the Ship.

When quiet in my room I sit,
Thy Book be my companion still;
My joy Thy sayings to repeat,
Talk o'er the records of Thy will,
And search the oracles divine,
Till every heartfelt word is mine.

When Psyche's friend becomes her lover,
How sweetly these conditions blend!
But, oh, what anguish to discover
Her lover has become — her friend!

When people call this beast to mind,
 They marvel more and more
At such a little tail behind
 So large a trunk before.

When Nature bids us leave to live, 'tis late
Then to begin, my Roe: he makes a state
In life, that can employ it; and takes hold
On the true causes, ere they grow too old.
Delay is bad, doubt worse, depending worst;
EAch best day of our life escapes us, first.
Then, since we (more than many) these truths know;
Though life be short, let us not make it so.