You and I have little care
    How the “precious moments” pass
While we snuff the drowsy air
    Rich in fragrance of the grass.

Stupid people boom or squeal
    Lessons drawn from daily strife;
“Time,” they cry, “is on the wheel;
    Death puts out the gas of life.

Imitate the prudent ant,
    Labour like the busy bee. ”
O the everlasting cant!
    Loafing’s good for you and me.

Here we watch the ants that haul
    Loads by weary jungle ways!
If they like it, let them crawl
    Laden through the heavy blaze.

We’ve no time for moral tags;
    We can hear a sleepy sound—
With his yellow tucker-bags
    Brother Bee is bumming round.

Little souls are vexed to see
    How their hours of toil decrease:
Floating dreams for you and me,
    Lazy joy in starry peace.