Without haste and without rest;
Bind the motto to thy breast.
Bear it with thee as a spell,
Storm or sunshine, guard it well!
Heed not flowers that round thee bloom;
Bear it onward to the tomb!
Haste not--let no thoughtless deed
Mar the spirit's steady speed;
Ponder well, and know the right,
Onward, then, with all thy might;
Haste not--years can ne'er atone
For one reckless action done!
Rest not--life is sweeping by.
Do and dare before you die;
Something worthy and sublime
Leave behind to conquer time;
Glorious 'tis to live for aye,
When these forms have passed away.
Haste not--rest not. Calm in strife
Meekly bear the storms of life;
Duty be thy polar guide;
Do the right, whate'er betide;
Haste not--rest not. Conflicts past,
God shall crown thy work at last!
--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.