1 The bud will soon become a flower,
The flower become a seed;
Then seize, O youth, the present hour, --
Of that thou hast most need.

2 Do thy best always, -- do it now, --
For in the present time,
As in the furrows of a plough,
Fall seeds of good or crime.

3 The sun and rain will ripen fast
Each seed that thou hast sown;
And every act and word at last
By its own fruit be known.

4 And soon the harvest of thy toil
Rejoicing thou shalt reap;
Or o'er thy wild, neglected soil
Go forth in shame to weep.