University of Virginia Library

ADVICE TO OTHERS.

“I could sooner tell twenty people what to do, than be one of the twenty to follow my own showing”, Shakespeare makes one of his characters say. The dramatist thus gave another proof of the fact that he wrote for all time—or at least as long as human nature shall last. Everybody must admit that, and will always admit that the advice in the following poem, is a great deal more easily given than obeyed.

Smile—smile—smile all the while,
And soon you will daily wear it:
Grin—grin—whate'er you are in—
And then you'll the better bear it.
Hope, hope, to the end of your rope,
Then struggle that rope to sever:
Mope, mope, and you'll find good scope
To follow the trade forever.
Toil—toil—your share of the spoil
Will come, some way or other;
Maybe in wealth, and maybe in health,
And maybe the love of your brother.
Give—give—'tis the way to live,
If good sound sense can guide it:
Save—save—and not for the grave:
But what you may need this side it.
Fight—fight—with all of your might,
Whenever the facts demand it:
Cease—cease—bring cargoes of peace
From victory, when you land it.
Think—think—like one on the brink
Of something too grave for laughter,
Well—well—of the heaven or hell
That follows us here and hereafter.
Trust—trust—as indeed you must,
God in his varied dealing:
Wounds He will give that your soul may live,
And then—attend to the healing.