Though some time it has departed, Mortal, never be downhearted. Go, learn to keep a smiling face, Until the hours of dark find place. [Illustration: SUNDIAL AT LOWER HARLSTON, NORTHANTS. ] We change with time, But fail to mark, Like time our change ’Til near the dark. [Illustration: SUNDIAL AT BROUGHAM HALL, WESTMORLAND. Date 1660. ] Gold can buy this dial. But not the hour, Nor yet Sol’s smile, My greatest dower. [Illustration: SUNDIAL AT SAG HARBOUR, LONG ISLAND. U.S.A. ] Cultivate a happy mien, Whilst the sun now smiles, Thus cares shall only intervene, Like shadows on sundials. [Illustration: SUNDIAL AT ALDINGTON, KENT. Date 1799. ] God who taught the birds to sing, Did so for man’s pleasure; And He put sweet songs on wing, Timed to varying measure. [Illustration: SUNDIAL, EARLY 18th CENTURY. ] I made this sundial for to prove, How precious is the light above, Grant thou, dear Lord, that men may know The value of Thy light below. [Illustration: SUNDIAL IN CHURCHYARD AT STRETTON, CHESHIRE. ] This hour I mark too soon shall fly E’er thou dost rest beneath the sod, And of thy deeds shall testify, Before the throne of God. [Illustration: SIR WALTER SCOTT’S SUNDIAL, ABBOTSFORD. ] On the anvil of Time Our life is wrought, Shaped for the sublime In deed and thought. [Illustration: SUNDIAL, EARLY 19th CENTURY. ] To-morrow is to-day, Value then each hour, For years soon pass away, And death doth lower. [Illustration: SUNDIAL OF WOOD. Date 1617. Seen in a Curiosity Shop. ] As a minute is to the hour, And the hour is to the day, So proportion while you’ve power, With fairness work and play. [Illustration: SUNDIAL, 18th CENTURY. ] Work, then while you have the time, Never let thy talents rust; Take a lesson from my sign, The dial says die all we must. [Illustration: ROMAN SUNDIALS, FROM VILLA SCIPIO, ROME. ]