A Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert Herrick

251. COCK-CROW

     Bell-man of night, if I about shall go
     For to deny my Master, do thou crow!
     Thou stop'st Saint Peter in the midst of sin;
     Stay me, by crowing, ere I do begin;
     Better it is, premonish'd, for to shun
     A sin, than fall to weeping when 'tis done.