Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time,
which every day produces, and which most read more

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time,
which every day produces, and which most men throw away, but
which nevertheless will make at the end of it no small deduction
for the life of man.

An idler is a watch that wants both hands;
As useless if it goes as when it stands.

An idler is a watch that wants both hands;
As useless if it goes as when it stands.

Were't not affection chains thy tender days
To the sweet glances of thy honored love,
I rather read more

Were't not affection chains thy tender days
To the sweet glances of thy honored love,
I rather would entreat thy company
To see the wonders of the world abroad
Than, living dully sluggardized at home,
Wear out thy youth with shapeless idleness.

I live an idle burden to the ground.

I live an idle burden to the ground.

I was raised to feel that doing nothing was a sin. I had to
learn to do nothing.

I was raised to feel that doing nothing was a sin. I had to
learn to do nothing.

An idle life always produces varied inclinations.
[Lat., Variam semper dant otia mentem.]

An idle life always produces varied inclinations.
[Lat., Variam semper dant otia mentem.]

What heart can think, or tongue express,
The harm that groweth of idleness?

What heart can think, or tongue express,
The harm that groweth of idleness?

How various his employments whom the world
Calls idle; and who justly in return
Esteems that busy read more

How various his employments whom the world
Calls idle; and who justly in return
Esteems that busy world an idler too!

You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by. Yes, but some of them are golden only read more

You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by. Yes, but some of them are golden only because we let them slip.