LESSON 36 TODAY AND TOMORROW

TODAY AND TOMORROW

If Fortune, with a smiling face,

Strew [1] roses on our way,

When shall we stoop to pick them up!——

Today, my friend, today.

But should she frown with face of care,

And talk of coming sorrow,

When shall we grieve, if grieve we must?——

Tomorrow, friend, tomorrow.

If those who have wronged us own their fault,

And kindly pity pray,

When shall we listen and forgive?——

Today, my friend, today.

But if stern justice urge rebuke [2] ,

And warmth from memory borrow,

When shall we chide [3] , if chide we dare?——

Tomorrow, friend, tomorrow.

If those to whom we owe a debt

Are harmed unless we pay,

When shall we struggle to be just?——

Today, my friend, today.

But if our debtor fail our hope,

And plead his ruin thorough,

When shall we weigh his breach [4] of faith?——

Tomorrow, friend, tomorrow.

For virtuous acts and harmless joys

The minutes will not stay;

We have always time to welcome them

Today, my friend, today.

But care, resentment [5] , angry words,

And unavailing [6] sorrow,

Come far too soon, if they appear

Tomorrow, friend, tomorrow.

—CHARLES MACKAY

* * *

[1] strew: Scatter; spread.

[2] rebuke: Reprimand; reproof.

[3] chide: Scold.

[4] breach: Act of breaking.

[5] resentment: Anger.

[6] unavailing: Useless.