A. E. Housman (1859–1936). A Shropshire Lad. 1896.
XXIV. Say, lad, have you things to do
S
Quick then, while your day’s at prime
Quick, and if ’tis work for two,
Here am I, man: now’s your time
Call me, I shall hear you call;
Use me ere they lay me low
Where a man’s no use at all;
And the willing nerve be numb,
And the lips lack breath to say,
‘No, my lad, I cannot come.’