Page:Songs, Legends, and Ballads.djvu/56

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HAT man would be wise, let him drink of the river
 * That bears on its bosom the record of time:

A message to him every wave can deliver
 * To teach him to creep till he knows how to climb.

Who heeds not experience, trust him not; tell him
 * The scope of one mind can but trifles achieve:

The weakest who draws from the mine will excel him—
 * The wealth of mankind is the wisdom they leave.

For peace do not hope—to be just you must break it;
 * Still work for the minute and not for the year;

When honor comes to you, be ready to take it;
 * But reach not to seize it before it is near.