Higginson and Bigelow, comps. American Sonnets. 1891.
Memento MoriGeorge McKnight (18401897)
L
Such universal haste betokens need
In Destiny’s design of pressing speed.
Speed thou, stay not until thou reach the end!
Upon the haste of Time there may depend
Some far-off good. Thou child of Time, give heed
That with a willing heart and ready deed
To Time’s great haste thy dole of speed thou lend!
Though beauteous scenes thy onward steps would stay,
Press forward toward the Goal that beckons thee—
The unimagined possibility
Of all the mighty future to assay!
And when thou drawest near thy hour to die,
Rejoice that one accomplishment is nigh.