Page:The Century Of Life.pdf/35

 On Virtue

DESCRIPTION OF THE VIRTUOUS

Homage to him who keeps his heart a book For stainless matters, prone great talk to prize And nearness of the good; whose faithful look Rejoices in his own dear wife, whose eyes Are humble to the Master good and wise;

A passion high for learning, noble fear Of public shame who feels; treasures the still

Sweet love of God; to self no minister, But schools that ravener to his lordlier will,

Far from the evil herd on virtue’s hill.

THE NOBLE NATURE

Eloquence in the assembly; in the field The puissant arm, the lion’s heart; proud looks

Unshaken in defeat; but modest-kind Mercy when victory crowns; passionate for books High love of learning, thoughts to fame inclined ;— ‘These things are natural to the noble mind.