Reflections on a Watch

Let vain Philosophy hence learn to bind The lawless operations of the mind, And teach us to obey that Power unseen, That fram'd, and first inform'd, our wise machine; Then shall we know what schools have idly taught, To guide each act, and regulate each thought: Like this mechanic wonder shall we move, Unvaried by ambition, anger, love; Constant in each vicissitude of care, Not urg'd by hope, nor yet repress'd by fear; Alike in health, disease, in age or youth, Our equal judgment still will point at truth; No longer shall we live whole years in vain, Nor one sad hour be mark'd with grief or pain; Freedom and joy our measur'd time will fill, Guiltless, unerring, and assur'd our will, 'Till the last pulse shall beat, and life stand still.