Robert William Service

Security

Young man, gather gold and gear,
they will wear you well;
You can thumb your nose at fear,
Wish the horde in hell.
With the haughty you can be
Insolent and bold:
Young man, if you would be free
Gather gear and gold.

Mellow man o middle age,
Buy a little farm;
Then let revolution rage,
you will take no ham.
Cold and hunger, hand in hand
May red ruin spread;
With your little bit of land
You'll be warm and fed.

Old Ma, seek the smiling sun,
Wall yourself away;
Dream aloof from everyone
IN a garden gay.
Let no grieving mar your mood,
Have no truck with tears;
Greet each day with gratitude -
Glean a hundred years.