The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook ‎#R12

R12. Ye indolent and slothful! rise

1 Ye indolent and slothful! rise,
view the ant’s labours, and be wise;
she has no guide to point her way,
no ruler chiding her delay:
2 yet see with what incessant cares
she for the winter’s storm prepares;
in summer she provides her meat,
and harvest finds her store complete.

3 But when will slothful man arise?
how long shall sleep seal up his eyes?
Sloth more indulgence still demands;
sloth shuts the eyes, and folds the hands.
4 But mark the end; want shall assail,
when all your strength and vigour fail;
want, like an armed man, shall rush
the hoary head of age to crush.

Text Information

• First Line: Ye indolent and slothful! rise
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2004
• Scripture:
  Proverbs 6:6-12

Tune Information

• Name: ST GREGORY
• Meter: LM
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Geistreiches Gesangbuch, Darmstadt, 1698