The Hickman Courier

DON'T BE IN A HURRY.

Don't be in a hurry to answer yes or no:
Nothing's lost by being reasonably slow.
In a hasty moment you may give consent,
And through years of torment leisurely repent.
If a lover seeks you to become his wife
Happiness or misery may be yours for life:
Don't be in a hurry your feelings to confess.
But think the matter over before you answer yes.

Should one ask forgiveness for a grave offense
Honest tears betraying earnest penitence
Pity and console him and his fears allay.
And don't be in a hurry to drive the child away.
Hurry brings us worry: worry wears us out
Easy-going people know what they're about.
Heedless haste will bring us surely to the ditch,
And trouble overwhelm us if we hurry to be rich.

Don't be in a hurry to throw yourself away;
By the side of wisdom for awhile delay,
Make your life worth living: nobly act your part
And don't be in a hurry to spoil it at the start.
Don't be in a hurry to speak an angry word;
Don't be in a hurry to spread the tale you've heard.
Don't be in a hurry with evil ones to go:
And don't be in a hurry to answer yes or no.