For when it comes, you see, 'tis grown
The Present, and the Future's flown.
The Sexton.
Why, yes, to that there's no reply;
That logic one must needs accept.
But—when then is the promise kept?
The Schoolmaster.
A Promise is a future-dated
Pact, as I have already stated;
'Tis kept in Future.
The Sexton.
That is clear.
When will the Future, though, be here!
The Schoolmaster.
[Aside.]
You blessed Sexton!
[Aloud.]
Worthy friend,
Must I the argument recall?
The Future cannot come at all,
Because its coming is its end.
The Sexton
Thank you.
The Schoolmaster.
In all conceptions lies
Something that looks like artifice,
But yet is quite direct and plain,—
That is to say, for any brain
Able to reckon up to ten.
To make a promise means, at last,
To <g>break</g> it, spite of best intent;
