The bud will soon become a flower

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.