A. E. Housman (1859–1936). A Shropshire Lad. 1896.

XXIV. Say, lad, have you things to do

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.’