Who first invented work, and bound the free
And holyday-rejoicing spirit down . . .
To that read more

Who first invented work, and bound the free
And holyday-rejoicing spirit down . . .
To that dry drudgery at the desk's dead wood? . . .
Sabbathless Satan!

I look on that man as happy, who, when there is a question of success, looks into his work for read more

I look on that man as happy, who, when there is a question of success, looks into his work for a reply.

But when dread Sloth, the Mother of Doom, steals in,
And reigns where Labour's glory was to serve,
read more

But when dread Sloth, the Mother of Doom, steals in,
And reigns where Labour's glory was to serve,
Then is the day of crumbling not far off.

In every rank, or great or small,
'Tis industry supports us all.

In every rank, or great or small,
'Tis industry supports us all.

I try to be known more for my work than for anything else.

I try to be known more for my work than for anything else.

A day's work is a day's work, neither more nor less, and the man
who does it needs a read more

A day's work is a day's work, neither more nor less, and the man
who does it needs a day's sustenance, a night's repose, and due
leisure, whether he be a painter or ploughman.

Study until twenty-five, investigation until forty, profession
until sixty, at which age I would have him retired on a read more

Study until twenty-five, investigation until forty, profession
until sixty, at which age I would have him retired on a double
allowance.

Why, universal plodding poisons up
The nimble spirits in the arteries,
As motion and long-during action tires
read more

Why, universal plodding poisons up
The nimble spirits in the arteries,
As motion and long-during action tires
The sinewy vigor of the traveller.

Never idle a moment, but thrifty and thoughtful of others.

Never idle a moment, but thrifty and thoughtful of others.