It is far easier to begin a task than to finish it.

It is far easier to begin a task than to finish it.

Though a lie be well drest, it is ever overcome.

Though a lie be well drest, it is ever overcome.

Is it not sheer madness to live poor to die rich?

Is it not sheer madness to live poor to die rich?

Every one is weary, the poore in seeking, the rich in keeping,
the good in learning.

Every one is weary, the poore in seeking, the rich in keeping,
the good in learning.

The point is plain as a pike staff.

The point is plain as a pike staff.

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles.

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles.

Yestreen, when to the trembling string
The dance gaed thro' the lighted ha',
To thee my fancy read more

Yestreen, when to the trembling string
The dance gaed thro' the lighted ha',
To thee my fancy took its wing;
I sat, but neither heard nor saw.

Dull winter will re-appear.

Dull winter will re-appear.

But time strips our illusions of their hue,
And one by one in turn some grand mistake
read more

But time strips our illusions of their hue,
And one by one in turn some grand mistake
Casts off its bright skin yearly like a snake.