Short  is time, and only time is bleak ;
     Gauge the exceeding height thou hast to climb :
Long eternity is nigh to seek :
     Short is time.

     Time is shortening with the wintry rime :
Pray and watch and pray , girt up and meek ;
     Praying, watching, praying, chime by chime.

Pray by silence if thou canst not speak :
     Time is shortening ; pray on till the prime :
Time is shortening; soul, fulfil thy week :
     Short is time.