Possible Clues:

• How urgent tasks should be done
• 'Least said, ... mended (7)'
• First available
• “When lenity and cruelty play for a kingdom, the gentler gamester is the — winner” (Henry V)
• Immediately
• "When lenity and cruelty play for a kingdom, the gentler gamester is the — winner" (Henry V)
• Least said, — mended
• Without delay: therefore one’s ahead of time
• First
• 'Fearless minds climb ___ unto crowns': Shak