XXIV
        
Say, lad, have you things to do?
         Quick then, while your day's at prime.
Quick, and if 'tis work for two,
         Here am I, man: now's your time.

Send me now, and I shall go;
         Call me, I shall hear you call;
Use me ere they lay me low
         Where a man's no use at all;
        
Ere the wholesome flesh decay,
         And the willing nerve be numb,
And the lips lack breath to say,
         "No, my lad, I cannot come."