Now and Then

Now and Then

Now is a constant warning stroke,

Beat by the ceaseless clock of Time;

A voice our wisdom to evoke,

A mandate solemnly sublime;

It bids us keep the soul awake,

To do the best our means allow;

To toil for truth's and virtue's sake,

And make the effort now

Now is the watchword of the wise,

And often wins its wond'rous way

Through hosts of dangers in disguise,

That wail to baffle and betray;

The specious Then doth oft deceive,

Brings pain of heart and gloom of brow,

But would we some good work achieve,

Let's make the effort now.

Now gilds the banner of the brave,

And prudence wears it on her breast;

That talisman has the power to save

From vain remorse and sad unrest;

Thenleads us by an easy rein,

And breaks our well-intended vow;

But would we earn some sterling gain,

Let's mak the effort now.

Then may not come, but Now is here,

All ready at our own right hand,

Perchance with aspect half severe,

Yet prompt to help, if we command;

Strive with it, and its blessings fall

Like sweet fruits from a laden bough,

But these will turn to husks of gall,

If we neglect the Now.

In youth, if just ambition fires,

And seems to lift the soul on wings,

If the heart grows with pure desires

For worthy and exalted things,

Wait not, but raise your latent power,

Nor shrink your wishes to avow;

The only safe, propitious hour,

Is the fresh, foremost Now.

In manhood, with our passions strong,

Oft hard to conquer or to guide,

If some insidious power of wrong

Has drawn our faltering feet aside,

Sorrows will come—regret and fears

Will make the humble spirit bow,

But to atone for wasted years.

Let's seek the right, and now.

If 'mid the world's rude shock and strife,

Thou hast no sense of things divine,

No yearning for the holier life,

Oh, what a boundless loss is thine!

If thou would'st hope, strength, comfort find,

God's oracle will tell thee how:

Go with a meek, inquiring mind,

And hear its voices now.

Procrastination, foe to bliss—

Curse far more baneful than it seems,

What treasure we have lost by this,

In vain and unsubstantial dreams!

From this dear moment let us start

With brave endeavors, righteous vow;

Up, drooping soul! up languid heart!

And seize the golden Now.

Unattributed

1:5, p. 4

8.20.1859