Neer Ask the Hour

 Ne'er ask the hour -- what is it to us 
How Time deals out his treasures? 
The golden moments lent us thus 
Are not his coin, but Pleasure's.
 
If counting them o'er could add to their blisses, 
I'd number each glorious second: 
But moments of joy are, like Lesbia's kisses, 
Too quick and sweet to be reckon'd.
 
Then fill the cup -- what is it to us 
How time his circle measures? 
The fairy hours we call up thus 
Obey no wand but Pleasure's.
 

Young Joy ne'er thought of counting hours, 
Till Care, one summer's morning, 
Set up, among his smiling flowers, 
A dial, by way of warning.
 
But Joy loved better to gaze on the sun, 
As long as its light was glowing, 
Than to watch with old Care how the shadow stole on, 
And how fast that light was going.
 
So fill the cup -- what is it to us 
How time his circle measures? 
The fairy hours we call up thus 
Obey no wand but Pleasure's.

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