A quarter to seven
How John recalled his own feelings , less than a year ago , as he stood shivering upon the bank of the river , funking the first plunge ! And his uncle , now sitting beside him , had said that he would soon enjoy himself amazingly -- and so he had ! The new boy began the second verse . His voice , not a strong one , quavered shrilly -- `` A quarter to seven ! There goes the bell ! The sleet is driving against the pane ; But woe to the sluggard who turns again And sleeps , not wisely , but all too well ! '' In reply to the weak , timid notes came the glad roar of the School -- `` Yet the time may come , as the years go by , When your heart will thrill At the thought of the Hill , And the pitiless bell , with its piercing cry ! ''