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Poem
January 11, 1765
The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A satirical poem mocking procrastination through the character George, who vows to reform tomorrow but never does, advising to seize wisdom in the present moment rather than delay.
Clipping
OCR Quality
100%
Excellent
Full Text
The Delayer.
In Reformation bent, and growing wise,
To-morrow I'll begin, indeed, George cries:
To-morrow, and to-morrow's gone and o'er;
Yet George the same sad Dog he was before: --
--Still he to-morrow Gravity assumes,--
Day follows Day, yet no such morrow comes;
But ev'ry Day and present Hour are seen,
Such as have past, and Yesterday has been.
Prithee no more of your to-morrow prate;
Cou'd you grow wise to-morrow, 'twould be late:
Be wise, tho' not a Moment you delay:
He's only wise, who was so yesterday.
In Reformation bent, and growing wise,
To-morrow I'll begin, indeed, George cries:
To-morrow, and to-morrow's gone and o'er;
Yet George the same sad Dog he was before: --
--Still he to-morrow Gravity assumes,--
Day follows Day, yet no such morrow comes;
But ev'ry Day and present Hour are seen,
Such as have past, and Yesterday has been.
Prithee no more of your to-morrow prate;
Cou'd you grow wise to-morrow, 'twould be late:
Be wise, tho' not a Moment you delay:
He's only wise, who was so yesterday.
What sub-type of article is it?
Epigram
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Procrastination
Wisdom
Tomorrow
Reformation
Delay
Moral Instruction
Poem Details
Title
The Delayer.
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
To Morrow, And To Morrow's Gone And O'er;
Yet George The Same Sad Dog He Was Before:
Be Wise, Tho' Not A Moment You Delay:
He's Only Wise, Who Was So Yesterday.