Improve the passing hours

1 Improve the passing hours,
For time is on the wing;
Sip honey from the flowers,
And merrily, merrily sing,--
O, sing.
All folly ends in sadness,
And trouble it will bring;
But wisdom leads to gladness,
And merrily, merrily sing,--
O, sing.

2 Repine not, if from labor
Your health and comfort spring;
Work hard, and help your neighbor,
And merrily, merrily sing,--
O, sing.
Store not your minds with fable,
To truth your homage bring;
Do all the good you are able,
And merrily, merrily sing,--
O, sing.

Source: Linden Harp: a rare collection of popular melodies adapted to sacred and moral songs, original and selected. Illustrated. Also a manual of... #61a