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!