Now, is the constant syllable ticking from the clock of time, Now, is the watchword of the wise, Now, is on the banner of the prudent. Cherish thy to-day and prize it well, or ever it be gulphed into the past, Husband it, for who can promise, if it shall have a morrow? Behold, thou art,--it is enough; that present care be thine; Leave thou the past to thy Redeemer, entrust the future to thy Friend; But for To-day, child of man, tend thou charily the minutes, The harvest of thy yesterday, the seed-corn of thy morrow. Last night died its day; and the deeds thereof were judged: Thou didst lay thee down as in a shroud, in darkness and death-like slumber: But at the trumpet of this morn, waking the world to resurrection, Thou didst arise, like others, to live a new day's life: Fear, lest folly give thee cause to mourn its passing presence, Fear, that to-morrow's sigh be not, would God it had not dawned! For, To-day the lists are set, and thou must bear thee bravely, Tilting for honour, duty, life, or death without reproach: To-day, is the trial of thy fortitude, O dauntless Mandan chief; To-day, is thy watch, O sentinel; To-day, thy reprieve, O captive: What more? To-day is the golden chance wherewith to snatch fruition,-- Be glad, grateful, temperate: there are asps among the figs. For the potter's clay is in thy hands,--to mould it or to mar it at thy will, Or idly to leave it in the sun, an uncouth lump to harden. O bright presence of To-day, let me wrestle with thee, gracious angel, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me; bless me, then, To-day: O sweet garden of To-day, let me gather of thee, precious Eden; I have stolen bitter knowledge, give me fruits of life To-day: O true temple of To-day, let me worship in thee, glorious Zion; I find none other place nor time, than where I am To-day: O living rescue of To-day, let me run into thee, ark of refuge: I see none other hope nor chance, but standeth in To-day: O rich banquet of To-day, let me feast upon thee, saving manna; I have none other food nor store, but daily bread To-day!