A Shropshire Lad

by A.E. Housman

XXIV

Say, lad, have you things to do?
  Quick then, while your day's at prime.
Quick, and if 'tis work for two,
  Here am I man: now's your time.

Send me now, and I shall go;
  Call me, I shall hear you call;
Use me ere they lay me low
  Where a man's no use at all;

Ere the wholesome flesh decay
  And the willing nerve be numb,
And the lips lack breath to say,
  "No, my lad, I cannot come."


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