mark the monitory dial,
set the gong for six a.m.—
then, until the hour of trial,
clock a little sleep, pro tem.
as i crank the dread alarum
stern resolve i try to fix:
my ideals, shall i mar 'em
when the awful moment ticks?
heaven strengthen my intention,
grant me grace my vow to keep:
would the law enforced prevention
of such cruelty to sleep!
