About the day I will not jest, But simply ask men for their best. He who made me I will show, Helped his fellows here below. If from my shadow you can learn, Do not then such wisdom spurn. Like the bee, go, hourly strive, Lest you find an empty hive. I fly, I walk, I run, I crawl, Yet own no wings or legs at all. My dial is a picture rare, On which the lives of all appear. A clock or bell a lie may tell, I never, if the sun shines well. I’m fast to some, Who’ve naught to come. Ye sunniest hour, Is ye life of a flower. The greatest gift supernal, Is love eternal. Since I never lose, A fresh excuse go choose. Keep working, No shirking. The hours of night Are well in sight. Halt ye and learn, Then quickly turn. Speed high, speed low, I swiftly go. When night doth flee, Men look at me. Our end gets nearer. And time grows dearer. Ere the day doth flee, Lord, remember me. Go live thy day, But watch and pray. Go, mortals befriend, Like me to the end. At each daybreak, My course I take. Halt not or stay, ’Til close of day. Ye hour of prayer, Is always here. Slow but sure, Who wants more? To enjoy thy days, Heed thy ways. Live and defy, All hours that fly. Mortal beware, Of time take care. Well done, Go up one. Time flies, The day dies. Sorrow and song, I bear along. What e’er betide, Dear Lord provide. Pray ye for light, Pray ye aright. The hours of day, Soon pass away. No rain, no flowers, No sun, no hours. Do not forget me, Lest you regret me. Though pace is slow, Yet fast I go. Go, know man time, By gnomon mine. Always using it, Never abusing it. A life well spent, Brings no lament. I only mark the time of day, But man how much has passed away. My hours used well are going to be, Thy passport through eternity. Learn, like me, to give and take, In silence and no noise to make. Ye watch this dial my speed to prove, Yet cannot see me make a move. Things come in cycles, so men say, But who shall view a yesterday? My use and value unto you, Is gauged by what you have to do.