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ON FIRMNESS
Gods
Cease never from the work thou hast begun Till thou accomplish. Such the great Gods be, Nor paused for gems unknown beneath the Sun, Nor feared for the huge poisons of the sea, Then only ceased when nectar’s self was won.
The Man of High Action
Happiness is nothing, sorrow nothing. He Recks not of these whom his clear thoughts impel To action, whether little and miserably He fare on roots or softly dine and well, Whether bare ground receive his sleep or bed With smoothest pillows ease his pensive head, Whether in rags or heavenly robes he dwell.
Ornaments
What is an ornament? Courtesy in high place, Speech temperate in the hero, innocence In high philosophers, and wrathlessness » In hermits, and in riches noble expense. Sincerity and honest meaning plain Save outward holiness, mercy the strong Adorns and modesty most learned men; One grace to every station can belong. Cause of all other gems, of all is blent Virtue, the universal ornament. Page– 194 The Immutable Courage
If men praise thee, 0 man, ‘tis well; nor ill, If they condemn. Let fortune curst or boon Enter thy doors or leave them as she will; Though death expect thee ere yon sinking moon Vanish or wait till unborn stars give light, The firm high soul remains immutable Nor by one step will deviate from the right.
The Ball
Lo, as a ball that, by the player’s palm Smit downward, falls but to again rebound, So the high virtuous man hurled to the ground Bends not to fortune long his spirit calm.
Work and Idleness
Their bitterest enemy in their bodies pent Men cherish, idleness. Be in thy breast The tireless gust of work thy mighty guest, Man’s ceaseless helper, whose great aid once lent Thy strength shall fail not, nor thy head be bent.
The Self-Reliance of the Wise
The tree once pruned shall seek again the skies, The moon in heaven waning wax once more: Wise men grieve not nor vex their soul with sighs Though the world tread them down with savage roar; Knowing their strength, they husband it to rise. Page– 195 |
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