Quae Nocent Docent

       &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspO! mihi praeteritos referat si Jupiter annos!







Oh! might my ill-past hours return again!

No more, as then, should Sloth around me throw

       &nbspHer soul-enslaving, leaden chain!

No more the precious time would I employ

In giddy revels, or in thoughtless joy,

A present joy producing future woe.



But o'er the midnight Lamp I'd love to pore,

I'd seek with care fair Learning's depths to sound,

       &nbspAnd gather scientific Lore:

Or to mature the embryo thoughts inclin'd,

That half-conceiv'd lay struggling in my mind,

The cloisters' solitary gloom I'd round.



'Tis vain to wish, for Time has ta'en his flight—

For follies past be ceas'd the fruitless tears:

       &nbspLet follies past to future care incite.

Averse maturer judgements to obey

Youth owns, with pleasure owns, the Passions' sway,

But sage Experience only comes with years.