On A Clock

by Frank Dempster Sherman

Lonely once, my love away,
To this slave of Time I cried:
"Faster on your journey glide,
Let your feet no second stay;
Speed the dreary night and day!"
He, all heedless, obstinate,
Never quickened in his gait.

Happy once, my love in sight,
To this slave of Time I prayed:
"Be your journey slowly made,
Loiter with me in delight;
Stay the happy day and night!"
Obstinate, he heard at last, --
Heard, and hurried twice as fast.