I remember a lesson

1 I remember a lesson, which was not thrown away,
Always strive to do your duty, don't spend too much time in play;
Work away while your able,
Work away, work away.

2 Hands were made to be useful, if you teach them the way;
Therefore, for yourself, or neighbor, make them useful every day;
Work away while your able,
Work away, work away.

3 And to speed with your labor, make the most of to-day,
What may hinder you to-morrow is impossible to say;
Work away while your able,
Work away, work away.

4 As for grief and vexation, let them come when they may,
When your heart is in your labor, all is easy as your play;
Work away while your able,
Work away, work away.

5 In the world would you prosper, then this counsel obey,
Out of debt is out of danger, and no creditors to pay;
Work away while your able,
Work away, work away.

6 Let your own hands support you till your strength shall decay,
And your heart should never fail you, even when your hair is gray:
Work away while your able,
Work away, work away.

Source: The Little Minstrel: a collection of songs and music, with lessons of instruction, mathematically arranged plan of notation #106