Say, Lad, Have You Things to Do?

by A. E. Housman

Alfred Edward Housman

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."





Last updated May 02, 2015