From Songs, hymns, and psalms, by Jonas Hanway, p12, 1783.

listen to the tune (midi file)

Take advantage of Time.

 'Tis a maxim I hold while I live to pursue,
 Not a thing to defer which to-day I can do,
 Not a thing to defer which to-day I can do,
 This piece of good counsel attend to I pray
 For while the sun shines is the time to make hay,
 For while the sun shines is the time to make hay.
 
 Attend to your work, in the grove or the field
 That labour its fruits may constantly yield,
 That nothing but sickness your progress may slay'
 For while the sun shines 'tis time to make hay.
 
 If the foolish obstruct you, then make your complaint,
 Speak out your mind freeling, devoid of restraint;
 Exert yourself manly, and make no delay,
 For while the sun shines is the time to make hay. 
 
 For should you the present sure minute pass by,
 You may fear to be tempted to tell a sad lie;
 Then briskly work on, nor longer delay,
 For while the sun shines is the time to make hay.