The lapse of time and rivers is the same, br Both speed their journey with a restless stream; br The silent pace, with which they steal away, br No wealth can bribe, no prayers persuade to stay; br Alike irrevocable both when past, br And a wide ocean swallows both at last. br Though each resemble each in every part, br A difference strikes at length the musing heart; br Streams never flow in vain; where streams abound, br How laughs the land with various plenty crown’d! br But time, that should enrich the nobler mind, br Neglected, leaves a dreary waste behind.