Page:The Century Of Life.pdf/38

 THE WAYS OF THE GOOD

Who would not honour good men and revere Whose loftiness by modesty is shown,

Whose merits not by their own vaunts appear, Best in their constant praise of others known,

And for another’s good each power to brace

To passionate effort is their selfishness.

Hark to their garrulous slanderer’s gurge of blame Foaming with censure violent and rude! Yet they revile not back, but put to shame By their sweet patience and calm fortitude. Such are their marvellous moods, their noble ways, Whom men delight to honour and to praise.

WEALTH OF KINDNESS


 * Tis more than earrings when the ear inclines

To wisdom; giving bracelets rich exceeds. So the beneficent heart’s deep-storéd mines

Are worked for ore of sweet compassionate deeds, And with that gold the very body shines.

THE GOOD FRIEND

Thus is the good friend pictured by the pens Of good men :—still with gentle hand he turns From sin and shame his friend, to noble gains " Still spurs him on; deep in his heart inurns His secret errors, blares his parts abroad, Gives at his need, nor takes the traitor’s road Leaving with facile wings when fortune spurns.