i want to be an early riser

“An old friend of mine being lately come to town, I went to see him on Tuesday last, about eight o’clock in the evening, with a design to sit with him an hour or two, and talk over old stoires; but upon inquiry after him, I found he was gone to bed. The next morning, as soon as I was dressed and had despatched a little business I came again to my friend’s house about eleven o’clock with a design to renew my visit; but upon asking for him, his servant told me he was just sat down to dinner. In short, I found that my old-fashioned friend religiously adhered to the example of his forefathers and observed the same hours that had been kept in the family ever since the Conquest. It is very plain that the night was much longer formerly in this island than it is at present. By the night, I mean that portion of time which nature has thrown into darkness, and which the wisdom of mankind had formerly dedicated to rest and silence…Modern statesmen are concerting schemes, and engaged in the depth of politics, at the time when their forefathers were laid down quiet to rest and had nothing in their heads but dreams.” Richard Steele, Thursday, December 14, 1710.