onfllKe ooicj LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Chap Copyright No Shelfl2_^__G^ \ld'6 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. < Couplets on Human Nature GEO. WASHINGTON NIMS, I: Author of ''The Deserted Farm," ''Forsaken by the World," ''Uncle Reuben's Adventures Abroad," "My Childhood's Declining Village," "Counseling the Young," "The Moss-Grown Cot, and other Lyrics and Poems," " The Humorous Side of Human Nature," Etc., Etc. I, MASS7 BOSTON PRESS OF P. J. BRii: 1898. TWO COPIES RECEIVED. SECOND COPV,

y and happiness, oh, what a bitter herb! Worthy are they who strive to leave some noble work behind. Wrought for the benefit and elevation of mankind. For gain, what pwful crimes a cruel heart commits, And for a nobler cause, its sins how rarely quits ! Lo, cold, ungrateful hearts, past favors soon forget. As thev, alas ! too often do, a pledge or debt. Give men a chance before you swear they want no work, Before you deem them indolent, and prone to shirk. Oar aspirations must be either high or low. As daily we, in evil or in goodness grow. Who spends for pleasure, money due to settle honest debts. Upon his love of honor and of right slight value sets. Where'er we dwell, the more exclusive we become, Who can deny, that we're to justice' precepts dumb? What like adversity, so humbles senseless pride. Or quicker bids it cease the lowly to deride? Learn to be punctual or ne'er in business start, If you desire to shine in enterprise's mart. Whoe'er in life is prone to lag behind. Can ne'er success's gold expect to find. 'Tis well to wisely ponder, ere the pledge we sign, Lest we forget, and with temptation go to dine. Who would aspire in life, must seek good company, And shun the paths which lead to foul iniquity. Tyrants of heartless greed, the poor may justly taunt. As they have thousands of the lowly caused to want. Whose consciences are more besmeared with slime, Than those who labor in behalf of crime? COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 41 To any neighborhood, vile mischief makers are a cnrse, Who love too well in water hot their neighbors to immerse. Insolent pride would try the patience of" a saint, And on fair wisdom's walls unseemly pictures paint. Lo, stubborn minds on reason seldotn call Or at the feet of fair play long to fall. In gay societ}-, for wisdom we shall seek in vain; — Where strangers to discretion love to dissipate and train. Better to live a single life on earth Than wed to quarrel round home's sacred hearth. Toward children strive to kindly act and you will nobler feel, And never at the shrine of cruelty desire to kneel. Another's bread and butter, never strive to take away, So long as firmly 3'ou believe in justice and fair play. Alas! let him who can, respect those in authority When they toward justice and toward honor act abusively! Who truthfully can say, "I came of a good family," Should daily strive to nobly live, and thankful ever be. Who legislate to benefit the favored few Cannot — of course— to justice equal laws prove true. A noble ancestry, for worth and righteousness, must tell, So wise are they, whose minds upon its records, love to dwell. Who can his temper govern well should thankful be As he in life less trouble will most likely see. Who would abolish order, law, and government, On bringing in an age of chaos seems intent. He who despises law is not a model citizen, Or one who labors for the welfare of his fellow-men. An unjust law ought never to have seen The light of -lay, — it never should have been. The rights of life and property respect, uphold, defend, If you the welfare of your fellow-men wish to befriend. Be wise, and ne'er another's property destroy. Nor with the arch-fiend dynamite e'er long to toy. So long as you desire to live in good society Upon the side of law and order you will surely be. We ne'er can wrong our fellow-men while justice we obey, Nor in deception's cruel snares attempt to lead astray. Where love and peace abide, there we indeed, find home, From whose endearing haunts we never long to roam. Be saving, but refrain from acting miserly, Unless, alas ! you've tired of honor's company. The slaves of vanity with wisdom rarely walk, Or to the friends of wisdom long to wisely talk. E'en simpletons the foolish acts of pride discern. And nof infrequently its senseless offers spurn. 42 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Who would not trusty warnings heed, must pay the penalty, And at the shrine of folly weep and plead on bended knee. On flippant tongues, who would implicitly rely, Cannot to wise discretion's courts dwell very nigh. Prolonged anxiety and worriment of mind, avoid, Or you may soon by ill-health be distressingly annoyed. Who dearly loves to get, but ne'er to give, Cannot with honor, worth, or justice live. What like a sunny disposition doth so please. Or what with happiness so cheerfully agrees ! Lo, none but cruel hearts, the fallen would oppress, Or long, a}^ to increase their misery and distress! Ah, yes! from those who treat you mean and shabbily, Have naught to do, or you may lots of trouble see. As well attempt to teach geometry to bees, As to suppose that we can everybody please. A gentleman will from abuse refrain When even enemies do cause him pain. How weak-willed minds by stronger ones are often lead, "As children over-credulous are apt to be," 'tis said ! Angels indeed, peace-makers seem to be, They love so well to dwell in harmony. Who would impose upon the simple must be mean,— Whose godless actions none but villains base would screen. How suddenly life's changes come To blast our souls and damn like poisonous rum ! The rich and poor. Death views alike. Driving impartially his spike. A well-bred life brings joy and peace to hoary age; An ill-spent one, the woe that would inflame a sage. Better a mite, and even that be foul. Than to have much and never cease to growl. What can he do, who doth base envy court? His ship must drift at last into what port? How soon man's record would decrease, If men their intercourse with sin, would cease ! The placid knight, whose temper slowly rises, With no uncertain signs, his foe surprises. Dishonesty! what mischief has thou wrought, — How many of thy slaves the grave have sought ! How much men gain when they contentment woo, When to its charming precepts they prove true ! Malicious hearts the innocent attack, For truth and justice they so often lack. Who oft to fretfulness gives in, 'tis sad to say. The' rich or poor, but seldom comes in wisdom's way. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 43 Who nobly labor for the elevation of mankind, Discouragement, harsh treatment and neglect, too often find. The child who would the warnings of a faithful mother spurn. May soon in folly's reckless school, a hard — hard lesson learn. As it is easy to misjudge, so we should careful be. If from base accusation's sins we would thro' life be free. On learning's priceless pages seek for understanding's gold. For hallowed truths which never die; or on life's altar mould. Who forms bad habits, must for foresight sadly lack, Or they would ne'er be seen on folly's down-hill track. Bad habits and low company, will drag the strongest down; So those who would be good, at them must never cease to frown. O, diligently labor, if you would life's prizes win, If you to honor's cherished courts desire to enter in. Penurious minds, with nobleness are never known to dwell, So oft to satisfy their greed, their consciences they sell. When duty calls, the conscientious man, at once obeys. Regardless of the sting of censure, or of flattery's praise. Those who have not, but would their lips with liquor fouly stain, Should then remember that it has its countless thousands slain. All goodly acts, however small, do not forget to prize, But year by year more closely bind sweet kindness' hallowed ties. Tho' sunny hopes deceive, and cherished plans and efforts fail. Still, those who love good health, their ills will never long bewail. Who would be just or wise, must shun the gates which ope to pride. If they with sense and understanding would some day reside. The young should early ask, "What kind of knowledge shall we seek?" If they desire some day to gaze from wisdom's loftiest peak. Who would excite a brother's anger, or provoke to wrath, With thoughtless wickedness is traveling on life's down-hill path. Not those who make, but those who heed resolves, would wisdom crown, Tho' they be merchant princes, or mere beggars in a town. How sweet it seems to linger by the graves where loved ones sleep. And meditate, and gently, memory's tenderest tear drops weep ! Miserly souls, with prondness. live down on the carnal plane. From goodness far removed, where it to dwell would never deign. When men begin to cheat they are no longer smart, but mean, When 'neath the cloak of darkness they their sins desire to screen. As in some soils the hardiest seeds are known to come to naught, So godless hearts, that love to sin, good deeds have rarely wrought. O, how the noble deeds of patriots do the bosom thrill, And with grand thoughts the minds of those who love theircountry fill ! No gentleman to ladies e'er would make proposals base, In whom the signs of worth and goodness one might plainly tra?e. Respect your neighbors* lawful rights, and with them squarely deal; And never at the shrine of selfishness desire to kneel. 44 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Who thinks the rich are all alike, most sadly errs; And justly understanding's censure oft incurs. He who some daily need must sacrifice to give, Doth in the neighborhood of love and mercy live. Nobility of soul and not the well-filled purse Mankind in justice' founts would thorougly immerse. Work zealously in life, and never slack and shiftless grow, Or you the seeds of discontent and failure'll surely sow. Never be fascinated with a handsome face In which you fail the signs of modesty to trace. When building character do not forget integrity. If vou the trophies of success would some day like to see. The proud among the rich with Christ do not often stray, Nor in the grove, where nobleness resides, too often play. In wedded life, less trouble you will see So long as you from wrangling would be free. Be not too talkative, or burdensome you may become To those who love to hear the w^heels of business daily hum. Who take an interest in the welfare of the human race Will never patronize aught that may injure or debase. Remember, character — not riches makes a man, No matter what his lot in life, there's naught else can. Pride that originates in wealth, with justice never strays, As it doth seek in vain te crown its brow with reason's bays. In shoddy aristocracy, lo, who could hope to find Sincerity of heart, or worth and nobleness of mind ? Who to the rich bow down, to flatter and deceive, Alas ! may some day in a cheerless prison grieve. Only the mean, among the rich, the poor oppress, They love so well to break the laws of righteousness. Broadminded people ne'er with narrowness would stray: Nor, for one moment, list to what it had to say. Wherever man and women dwell, we often hear them say, "The miserly among the rich, with Jesus seldom stray." In pride, whoever sought for intellect and worth Who prize the name of mother, God, and native hearth? Thro' indecision, oh, what opportunities are lost By those who have on life's rough ocean been so madly tossed ! Who pacifieth anger with a kindly word, May in the counsels of the wise some day be heard. Fence men accomplish naught in life, tho' rich they be, Because they deal so seldom with consistency. Who yearneth after truth and righteousness Will not forget his fellow-men to bless. Frown on whate'er is base, in any walk in life, And ne'er, no matter where, or when, the lowly knife. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 45 Who would abuse the aged must with meauuess dw^ell, And often know what 'tis to feel the pangs of hell. Ay, every w^here, the mean among the rich do slight the poor, And oh, why not, when they their presence scarcely can endure? Should you, your heart to Jesus Christ, to give, e'er deign, B\' doing so, what joy and happiness you'd gain! Never look back when you a worthy step have taken, Lest your ennobling resohitions may be shaken. The vicious love low company, and vulgar talk, So if we would be good, we ne'er with them should walk. Oh, never to the fallen harshly speak, Nor meanly treat the helpless and the weak! O, maiden fair ! weigh well the pledges of an oily tongue. Forgetting not that it has many a human bosom wrung ! Who to his help insultingly would speak. Cannot too quickly sense and justice seek. In noble minds we seek in vain for pride of wealth, And in presumptuous ones for proper care of health. In getting on in life, how oft the friends of cheek succeed Wliere modest worth would starve, or suffer from relentless need ! None but the mean, among the rich, run down the poor, Or strive b}- gold and diamonds rare the young to lure. Alas ! how soon a haughty mind annoys humility, As it with common sense and wisdom rarely can agree! O, how insipid seem the thoughts of those who want for sense, They love so well to dwell this side of understanding's fence ! Alas! how oft among the proud, stupidity is found, That would an ape, or simpleton, bewilder and astound! Who nat' rally is wont to look ahead But rarely lies on folly's cheerless bed. How praiseworthy is he who would instruction gain. Who longs the heights of understanding to attain ! Who caters to exclusiveuess reveals a narrow mind, In which the signs of nobleness and sense we rarel}' find. Lo, wise indeed, are they who seek the proper food for thought; As in all ages, wisdom's truest friends have nobly taught. Oh, how incipid seem the thoughts of a vain, shallow mind, To those who oft on understanding's luxuries have dined. Have naught to do with wedlock if you love too well too fight, Or often your poor partner'U long to have you out of sight. Be not too sensitive, or you may suffer much in life, And oft be introduced to wretchedness and bitter strife. Ay, ay, in general, women are more virtuous than men, Tho' reared in cots, or in the mansions. of the upper-ten. He who reveres a sainted mother, never will betray A trusting maid, nor lead from haunts of purity away. 46 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. He prizes time, who would condense whate'er he has to say, Who ne'er would help to place a stone in noble progress' way. Lo, e'en the great may have their share of self-conceit and pride. Especially when righteousness with them cannot abide! Whoever labors freely for the welfare of mankind May many a blow receive, and still have happiness of mind. Who freely gives his time that he rascality may air. Of justice' golden praise must deserves no ordinary share. Who worries oft, no friend to peace, or health is found to be, But a fit subject for despair and mad despondency. The most incapable are often those who love to rule, Who e'en their ABC's have never learned in wisdom's school. O, flee despondency, if you would not endanger life, Or you may prematurely seal its fate with folly's knife- The conscientious man is never known to shirk, Tho' in or out of sight it be his lot to work. Lo, nobleness of mind is incompatible with pride, As it prefers, and ever will, with justice to abide. Be kind to children, and examples wise and noble set. Examples that for goodness tell, which they should ne'er forget. In seeking knowledge, see that it's of the right kind, If your main object is to elevate the mind. Beware of prejudice, if you revere integrity, If you with honor, justice, and fair play would e'er agree. Miserly souls in doing good no pleasure ever find, As selfishness with cords of greed, their hearts so tightly bind. Avoid the paths which lead to narrowness, and godless pride, If you with justice, honor and broadmindedness would 'bide. The mighty bulwarks of dear liberty, oh, ne'er assail Unless to freedom you prefer the dungeon and the jail. Who talk the most are often known to give the least. Or fools for wisdom cry, and gluttons never feast. In minds which love to vainly boast, good sense is rarely found, Ay, rarely as in simpletons, a brain entirely sound. Lo, none but noble minds base injuries forgive. Or on life's highest plane delight to daily live. True greatness never's known to smile upon the proud, It is with sterling sense so gen'rously endowed. Never discourage those whose aims in life are just, Who walk uprightly and in God, their Maker, trust. In those who would their neighbors injure and disgrace. The lines of common sense how hard it seems to trace ! Beware of those who loudly boast of deeds of charity. As they but rarely give, and then their names in print to see. How few the truth delight to hear when it strikes home; How many then quite suddenly desire to roam ! COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. '^'^ Antipathy with sense but rarely can agree, Because it is a stranger to consistency. Who oveth not the kindly heart, --als a consc.^^^^^^^^ In which the lines of justice we can never hope to trace. Wh™d ratLr starve than from his neighbors meanly steal, Bv iustice' sacred altar oft is seen to kneel. Whoever seeks for pleasure in strong dri^,,k, will seek ,n vam; Ts he will find but Lgradation, woe, and bUter pa,n. From thoughtless minds, lo, quickly good advice may flee, A^ZodseSse doth from those who court iniquity A» good sense uoi. , , inclined— when far from home, ;r„f. '»o,c;iv>"S:it' .;w ..»i. '•"» io»« » "-^ 48 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Bless'd are they who treasure heirlooms with delight, Who never say, "I long to see them out of sight!" What is he but a vandal ! who would priceless relics burn, Who ne'er from fond remembrance' pages cares to learn! An envious mind with happiness but rarely stra3^s, At rivals and superiors so oft it brays. Quarrelsome dispositions would turn wedlock into hell, They love to wrangle so, and in commotion's haunts to dwell. Alas! envious minds know not the blessedness of giving; W^th littleness and selfishness they are so fond of living. Teach children to revere their native land, And for its name and honor bravely stand. The credulous, how treacherous hearts delight to give awa3^ And without sign or warning lead the innocent astray ! Never look down on those who do life's humble stations fill, Nor needless burdens pile on them who climb misfortune's hill. Upon 3^our face, O, let the sunbeams often play, And in the fields of cheerfulness delight to stray. Than women, men more often ugly deeds commit, And in the chairs of rudenes are more wont to sit. Upon the mean look down, and busybodies wnsely shun, Or by such godless beings you may some day be undone. Be slow to twit your neighbors of their failings, or their faults, Or your frail bark may some day sail where reckless folly halts. Strictly observe the golden rule, no matter where you be; And on life's journey to the tomb, less trouble you will see. However wise and good, or noble you may be. The world will frown, when from you flees prosperity. Shun dissipation, and your health and honor save. Or you, alas ! may rest in an untimely grave. O, patriotism's seeds within the breast of childhood sow. That it the value of one's native land may early know! A noble mind, of worldly wealth, is never vain or proud; With understanding and with justice 'tis so well endowed. So long as we love justice and beside its altars kneel We'll stop and hesitate before we stoop to meanly steal. So long as character we higlil}^ prize By methods base we'll never long to rise. How true ! none but the mean are meddlesome in life. As none so like it mischief make, or foment strife. Mind your owm business if you would not he despised. Or thro' your meanness you may oft be advertised. If you are meddlesome, then hang your head for shame, For having deigned to bring disgrace upon your name. If you have faith in God, then pray that it may never wane; And that the sin of unbelief your soul may never stain. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 49 So long as healthy wit and hunior are refiner! They never prove to be degrading to the mind. AiJ^ainst a fellow-being, none bnt evil minds conspire To merely gratify an envious wish, or base desire. Right well may truth and understanding frown On those who strive to keep the masses down! Life's choicest gold is character, who can den}', Who for perfection here doth never cease to tr}'? Alas ! the greedy lieart i■^ wont to frown on charity; Upon the selfish side of life it loves so well to be ! Who daily passes thro' the gates of selfishness, BLit rarely strives his fellow-men to cheer, or bless. Guard well the young, and nations will have less to fear, But more t ) justly love, to praise, respect, revere. How wont are narrow minds to cling to bigotry. And only in their own opinions soundness see! Never correct in an unkindly way So long as you with wisdom long to stray. An over-bearin';j^ mind a pop'lar one can never be, Becans2 from haughtiness and meanness it is rarely free. Ay, only unjust minds, respect for persons show, For worth and righteousness do not, as they well know. Ay. often what one fancys most, another hates. And ver}' foolishly condemns and underrates. Never be meddlesome, no matter where, or wdien, If you flesire the good will of your fellow-men. Better by far be dull and honest, than to be too smart, As worth is more to be desired than a corrupted heart. Remember, shallow minds can criticise When you a brother's works would under prize. O, what like fiery anger can engender strife. Or quicker quarrels breed that end in loss of life! How much is meant, ay, in a trifling joke, By those who love to use it for a cloak. Who flat'ier with their lips may woe and mischief breed, And perpetrate full many a foul and treacherous deed. Remember little minds with littleness delight to stray. And with the simple-minded while their liesure time away. Who flitters fortune's sons, and meanly treats the poor, Tho champions of righteousness would never hire. Oft he will feel shatne's col 1 unfeeling darts Who giveth secrets to unrighteous hearts. How hard it seems to teach a sel '-conceited mind, Or in a treacherous lieart, sweet goodness seeds to find ! As well attempt to stem a torrent with a wooden-grate, As to believe that S;^nse into a fool can penetrate. 50 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Be kind to animals, and from abuse refrain, Unless 3'ou love to cause unnecessary pain. Hear! hear ! oh, never wed if you're inclined to cruel be, Or in the place of home 3^our spouse may find a hell of misery. Who plainly can the laws of common sense discern Will never think that he can be too old to learn. Ignore the masses, and bow down, ay, to the favored few. — Alas ! who would do so, cannot to righteousness prove true. Ay, ay, when you are well assured that right is on your side, Then come to a decision firm, and like a rock abide. Oh, cease to hate, if you with peace desire to daily dwell, If your best efforts you desire for justice' cause to tell. He who his temper ne'er controls, aught not to wed, Unless he longs to lie on misery's springless bed. The actions of a cruel heart, how they appall the just, Ay, ay, how they the followers of righteousness disgust ! Who would commit a foul, or a distardly deed Cannot too soon the laws of sense and justice heed. Alas ! they do indeed partake of hell Who with mean people are obliged to dwell. He wants for tact who would too hastily grow rich. Or drunkards ne'er are known to fall into a ditch. The fool no danger sees ahead, so thoughtlessly moves on. Till when too late the undenying truth begins to dawn. Who would o'er novel schemes to sanguine be From disappointment must be rarely free. Than men, women are more refined, and more upright, 'Tis plain to see, vv^hen prejudice is not in sight. Who putteth too much confidence in dazzling schemes May wake to find his loses far more real than dreams. As well attempt in craftiness, sincerity to find. As to believe that common sense dwells in an envious mind. He who believes in wise advancement's cause, a faithful friend Will ever be to learning,- with a helping hand to lend. Oh, how the mean, when they the simple-minded do espy, Love to impose upon and grin, and to them basely lie. Who would disparage learning must in ignorance delight, Preferring to the golden day, the sombreness of night. Who loveth cheerfulness, will rarely on the dark side look, But calmly strive life's dreaded ills more patiently to brook. Flee from deceit, and shun the gates of craftiness, If you desire some day your fellow-men to bless. Children who choose the Savior for their daily guide, do well. For thay in sin's degrading haunts will never long to dwell. Who seeketh evil company may dearly pay. As hearts when domineered by sin, can wound and slay. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 51 The paths of honor never lead to prison gates, Or good behavior springs from unbecoming traits. What nobleness of mind must he possess Who kindness' favored laws would not transgress ! Who careth not with whom he would associate May meet quite suddenly with an untimely fate. Do not indnlge too oft if you your children's welfare seek, If you desire some day in wisdom's courts to hear them speak. Warnings the wise are wont to head, E'en tho' they do sometimes mislead. People who do too oft at dissipation's altar kneel, The piercing arrows of remorse must often keenly feel. In seasons of distress, of bitter want, and cruel woe, How then the kindly heart the seeds of mercy loves to sow! Tho' rich or poor, tho' famous, or tho' little known one's name, Who would neglect the aged must be dead to worth and shame. Unscrup'lous minds when domineered by heartless greed, The simple and the ignorant delight to bleed. W^ho builds air castles, bitter tears may shed. When his delusive hopes from sight have fled. Who can respect a man who rarely keeps his word, Who often justice' righteous censure has incurred? In hating, jealous minds can never be excelled, Nor from the godless schools of folly be expelled. High living shun, if you on earth long life desire. If on life's noblest plane, to live, you would aspire. Produce, or cease to boast, when you have naught to blow about, Or your sincerity your neighbors will begin to doubt. Who would from understanding's stores be often fed Will false religion shun, and ne'er its pathways tread. False teachers in religion love the ignorant to fool. As they the aptest scholars make in superstition's school. To man strong drink has been, and ever'll be a curse. So oft it robs him of his manhood and his purse. W^ho ignorance prefers to learning, must a burden seem, To those who oft of education's prizes fondly dream. Oh, stop and ponder, when a fellow-man you would abuse, Or you the friendship of the just and good may sometime lose. O, study zealously, and yet, health's laws do not forget. Lest when too late your want of tact and foresight you regret. Refrain from injuring, or you will ne'er be seen In justice' courts, where naught doth dwell that's base or mean. Unjust officials do at once remove. If their short-comings you can plainly prove. With sin ne'er parley, if from folly you would stand aloof, If you would wisely listen to the warnings of reproof. 52 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Better to justly live than wrangle o'er belief, 'tis plain, If we the heights of justice and of honor long to gain. It never pays to grumble when we do what must be done, More than it does to fail to tinish what we have begun. Control your baser passions, and your temper never lose; And you will have much less to do with folly and the blues. To those who suffer, or to those who long to be consoled, Sometimes a little sympathy is worth its weight in gold. Who loves to falsely swear, reveals a disposition mean. That no amount of wealth or power could ever hope to screen. If we unjustly live, no matter what we may believe ; Tho' rich or poor, life's choicest blessings we cannot receive. No matter where, from doing meanly acts refrain. If you have no desire your character to stain. Who weds a wrangler, or a scold, for peace will seek iu vain, No matter where he dwells, a hell indeed, he'll surely gain. Religious persecution ne'er with fair play deigns to walk, Nor with the friends of justice, or of truth is seen to talk. Who insults maidenhood, for principle and honor lacks, And needlessly, by folly's aid, tlie heart of justice racks. Malicious hearts delight to injure those they do not love. As their base thoughts but rarely soar the carnal plane above. Whate'er betides, in Christ, oh, never cease to trust. Nor wish your faith in Him to moulder nor to rust. Ay, ay, iu all religions, goodness in some form is found. Even in those w^here superstition doth much more abound ! Stern natures rarely to the bidding of kind feeling, yield The sceptre of authority, they love so well to wield. Who falsely poses as a subject for sweet charity Would never feel at home in justice' worthy company. Remember, noble minds of talents rare are never proud, However richly they by nature may have been endowed. They wisest seem who ne'er to sorrow madly yield, Who never leave in time of grief, discretion's field. Trouble he never wants, if he a judgment poor possesses, When creditors and sore mistakes, his very life oppresses. Remember the advice that only parents give. And, as they prayed you would, oh, strive to daily live! With discontentedness, petulant natures rightly dwell. So often by their fretting they turn home into a hell. Lo, with unscrup'lous minds, no secrets e'er confide. Nor with the friends of craftiness long to abide. Refrain from speaking harshly to inferiors, if you Respect fair play, and would to justice' noble cause prove true. Hear! hear! to no man dictate what he must believe. Nor simple minds mislead, or purposely deceive! COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 53 'Tis plain, the doctrines of all creeds cannot be right, So why, oh. bigot! dost thou love so well to fight? Lo, wholly bad he cannot be, who can for others feel, Who loves to bless and cheer, and take an interest m their weal. Than women, men more often cruel deeds commit, And in the haunts of meanness are more wont to sit. Maidens who never wed may do more good in life. And why not so, if they escape domestic strife ? Who would the patriot's deeds commemorate Is worthy of the homage of the great. So long as we with truth and honor rightly walk, We can afford to let our envious neighbors talk. The pride of blood and ancestry cannot be justified. When it would o'er its humble neighbors insolently ride. Alas ! who looks on everything from the standpoint of gain Will never wisdom from the wells of understanding dram. Who can feel well, and constantly the laws of health defy. Or who in business wins success who doth but feebly try? In running down our neighbors, oh, what do we gain But sore chagrin, and much unnecessary pain ! O, shun dishonesty, or you may some day steal. And justly, the full weight of public censure feel ! Who weddeth one who loves too well the flowing bowl May find enough to ruin one's hopes and damn one's soul. He who insults a man, because of color, or of race, Ought ne'er in good society to show his brazen face. Christ never spake a word in favor of niggardliness. And how could He, if His grand mission was mankind to bless? He lacketh foresight who obeys hypocrisy, Who joins the church to cover up his deviltry. Bow not too low to those who have unjustly won renown. But rather on their meanly acts, with indignation frown. A parson, or a priest, who soweth bigotry. We'll seek in vain to find in wisdom's company. If vou, your mind would narrow, then with bigotry reside. And thro' the winding lanes of littleness pompously stride. Who like the envious, the failings of the great so air. Or who more oft condemn those who most sumptuously fare. lo-norant minds the most offensive gossips surely make ; And saucy scandal's uninviting fields most cleanly rake. Designing minds when domineered by sin Delight to take the thoughtless stranger m. Avoid evtravagance, or mourn when 'tis too late, When poverty and want are knocking at the gate. Who loves to be extravagant, ne'er dreams of rainy days. But thoughtlessly with careless waste and luring folly strays. 54 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. The less we wrangle over creeds the happier we shall be, For truth and understanding who e'er found in bigotry? How edifying, seems to be the conversation of the just Who in the teachings of the "Book of books" do firmly trust ! Who before duty would, unblushingly, self-interest place. Ought ne'er in justice' sinless courts to dare to show his face. Over-indulgence shun, if you would children rightly rear, Allowing love, when possible, to take the place of fear. In the mad rush for gold. oh. ne'er forget humanity, If by 3'our fellow-men you never would detested be. Never look down upon a fellow-man because For learning he may lack, nor transgress reason's laws. When other peoples' failings you're about to air, Do not forget your own, if you believe in what is fair. Mean people never like to see their honest neighbors live. Nor their short-comings and mistakes in life deign to forgive. Of noble qualities, he who possesses a large share, Will in his dealings with his fellow-men be strictly fair. Who squanders money recklessly wants for foresight and tact. Or he 'tis plain, so foolishly would never wish to act. Alas! who lives for self ne'er longs his fellow-men to bless, Nor to become acquainted with the friends of righteousness. Who wants for push and enterprise, for industry and grit. In the front row, in wisdom's court, is never seen to sit. If we in life do failure dread, then we must not Procrastinate, as failures of the past have taught. Who wants for push, may in a wee half-bushel live and die. And e'en allow regret, above his grave, to heave a sigh. Oh, pity the short-sightedness of those w^ho idly live. If you their folly and their weaknesses cannot forgive. Base villains oft fine clothing don to 'lure the young, F^'or they the heart of innocence have often wrung. From rashness flee, or you in business Hie may ne'er succeed, And cautious prudence' faithful warnings never fail to heed. At persecution's shrine, oh, ne'er be seen to kneel, Nor from the well-to-do, desire to meanly steal. Avoid fast living if you value health and character, If you would not the ill-will of your fellow-men incur. Simply because a child begins to cry, spare not the rod If you desire to have it tread the paths which lead to God. Condemn no brother 'cause he differs with you in belief, Nor thoughtlessly cause children to bow down to pain and grief. Beware of those in business life, who sweet as hone)^ talk, Or you may find yourself some day in trouble's dock, Cease to misrepresent, or enemies may multiply. Till peace hath fled, and hopelessly you groan, "I want to die." COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. ^^ Whate'er we do in life, let's do it well, Tho' in a palace or a cot we dwell. O, when doth envy love to see its gifted neighbors rise, Or long to act hospitably to those of its own size? When men too arrogant become from wisdom they depart, Or simpletons its golden precepts love to learn by heart. O foul Conspirator! to-day in some unfeeling net ,. , ^ . Thou mayst thyself be caught, which thou for innocence did set ! In the dark dav of dire defeat be not cast down, Nor in the pool of mad despair desire to drown. Cease to be arrogant for wisdom's sake, If you -would friends well worth the having make. O, what like noble influences tell In neighborhoods where forward children dwell ! If you would prosperous be, do not too oft on pleasure call. Nor at the feet of blind extravagance e'er deign to fall. Undue authority ne'er show whilst fair play you revere. Ay, ay, so long as justice' noble cause to you seems dear. For wisdom never seek in those who're slaves to self-conceit, Who in the halls of haughtiness are found m a front seat. In those who love to sin you'd better no reliance place, If you would not be introduced to folly and disgrace. No matter when, or where, be careful what you say, Or thro' the swamps of trouble you may often stray. The cruel-hearted care but little for humanity. Or torture and abuse they'd never choose for company. A^ttentive be, if vou vour lessons thoroughly would learn, If you, their inmost meanings would remember, and discern. Your whole attention you must give to company. If you have no desire to act unmannerly. O dili^entlv work, if you success would one day win. And ea'rlv shun the paths which lead to shiftlessness and sm. Never the tasks of duty dodge, if you in life would rise. So long as honor, truth and righteousness you dearly prize. Lo, kindlv words, how often they do cheer the hearts of those Who oft have been made targets for the world's unfeeling blows!. Strive to restrain bright children when they study to excess. When they the rules of prudence and consistency transgress. Alas ' how many founder in the mire of selfishness Who might have strove their fellow-men to honor -and to bless! In shoddv aristocrasy whoe'er did wisdom find ; — Much less good understanding or pure nobleness of mmd? An unforgiving heart is ne'er a kindly one, Or fools for knowledge cry, and wags ne'er crack a pun. O study well the character of one you long to wed. Or you may later lie upon misfortune's cheerless bed. 56 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. The more men reason, ay, the more confused they grow, Ay, ay, when they would more than their Creator know. The justice-loving mind will ne'er accept a bribe, Nor willing!}' for sin become a faithful scribe. Domestic discord like a rapid current wears, And adds to life's sore burdens many ills and cares. Who some day longs to dwell among the wise, Will ne'er allow himself to gormandize. He who lives up to what he daily preaches Hath heeded not in vain what wisdom teaches. Ay, ay, when dealing with the mean, be wise for prudence' sake, Or to the chilling fact that you've been fleeced you may awake. A pious soul when it communes with Christ, what joy it finds, What happiness, so pleasing to regenerated minds! Give every man a trial, and with lynching cease to fool ; And ne'er to reckless haste, (^r bitter hate become a tool. How little tact he shows, who has a stubborn will. Who when he has been squarely floored, must argue still. Attentive minds must wisdom gain, Or fools ne'er suffer needless pain. How loving smiles the wounded heart revives, Like soul-inspiring words, down-trodden lives! What can be more provoking than disdainful pride. Which never did, nor can in justice' haunts reside? Ay, ay, when from our downy beds at early dawn we rise, Oh, may we ne'er the worth of cheerfulness forget to prize ! Who would be wise, must oft in wisdom's haunts be seen, Where golden truths of life, the friends of knowledge glean. O, doubting Mind ! God pity thee. From whom sweet peace and comfort flee ! When fired by genius, then good lit'rature Must to the end of restless time endure. Who oft the contents of a liquor flask would taste. Might precious time and many a hard-earned dollar waste. True womanhood toward gossiping would never lean, Nor basely follow in the footsteps of the mean. Tho' black or white the skin, it matters not; 'Tis character that counts, as saws have taught. How oft do golden hopes deceive. Causing the trusting heart to grieve ! O, study nature, or be duped by art, If you would rightly read the human heart ! He who his opportunities improves With tact and enterprise most likely moves. He who in business life is oft behind. May soon have none to occupy his mind. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 57 Alas! a selfish nature, who could ever satisfy, However hard they strove to please, tho' night and day they'd try? When gazing thro' base envy's specs, the noblest works seem tame, As it is dead to fair play, justice, honor and to shame. The more we vainly theorize without the aid of facts, The more we cause the world to think our brains have many cracks. In school hours study, if the plums of knowledge you would reap, If to the upper rounds of education you would creep. We cannot be true friends to health, whilst w^e late hours do keep, So long as we with dissipation love to drink and sleep. Among the ignorant, stupidity seems most at home. Or pinks in snow-banksbloom, and fools with learning love to roam. Who Cometh from good stock, should rather thankful be, than proud, Since the grandees of earth must like the beggar don a shroud. Repeating matters seldom pays, such mischief it doth cause. Breaking without compunction truth's and wisdom's golden laws. In selfishness, niggardly souls too often fall asleep, So, when from earth they've passed, who could o'er them desire to weep? How learning puffs a vain man up is known the wide world o'er, — W^hose self-conceit makes e'en a wise man smile, and wags to roar. To learning, men are not indebted for their gifts, as they From boundless nature spring, like smiling flowers along the way. Who wilfully misrepresents, must to dishonor bow, And base deception's tarnished crown, place on his shameless brow. Who loves sweet home, will never fail to stand by love and peace, And night and day for their welfare to labor, never cease. Happy, indeed, are they who ne'er with skepticism roam. Who, when life's race is run, believe in heaven they'll find a home. O, vain and worthless Show ! how^ shallow minds bow^ down to thee. When they the sunny haunts of reason, sense, and wisdom flee! We tempt the young, when in their charge, huge sums of gold we leave. Making it possible to do what years might not retrieve. In patriots brave and true, a nation finds its firmest pillars; Its staunchest friends, and its loved soil, its most contented tillers. Lose not your faith in God, however rough life's storms may beat, Nor to the gloomy caverns of despair long to retreat. Who squanders gold, for judgment and foresight must lack, 'tis plain, And while persisting, must for wisdom's guidance seek in vain. Among the miserly seek not for nobleness of mind, For how could one expect, where meanness dwells,- this boon to find? Teach children to be saving, lest they wasteful should become, Lest they to prudence' timely warnings might some day be dumb. Bad habits you will never form, if wisdom you obey, If from alluring folly's haunts you wander far away. Wise he is not, who spends his time, in running down the rich,— On envy's unbecoming garments he loves so to stitch. 58 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. No sincere friends are they who know you not in trying days, Who for the rich and prosperous reserve their smiles and praise. Do not forget good breeding, ay, if well you would appear, If manners rude and unbecomingness you justly fear. In dealing with your fellow-men, oh, never sacrifice Your honor for mere gold, if you in life would rise. Better be always poor, than to grow rich dishonestly, And with the views of honor, truth and justice e'er agree. Who strive to nobly live, and humbly worship God, Are rarely known their fellow-beings to defraud. Be not so foolish as to think that gold will make you wise, Noble, upright, and good, so long as righteousness you prize. Alas! what can be said of those who talk, but never give. Who only for their selfish selves have any wish to live ? The surest converts from the ranks of rum Are those who to the Savior gladly come. Who loves the truth would never willingly deceive. Nor cause thro' craftiness the innocent to grieve. Alike, judge men and women when they bow to sin, If you the good-will of fair play desire to win. Prove your suspicions, or from justice you may widel}- stray. And from the haunts of righteousness dwell far away. In vain you'll seek for peace, if you a scolding wife possess, Tho' you a sinner be, or a fond son of righteousness. Dishonesty abhor, and everything that drags you down ; Ay, everything that bids you wear dishonor's shabby gown. Women, more oft than men, for others' woes are prone to feel. And at the hallowed shrine of kindness do more often kneel. Politeness we cannot forget, and still respected be By those who love refinement, or by good society. Avoid bad company, if out of trouble you would keep. If you the fruit of honor and of justice long to reap. Avoid vulgarity of speech, if you would seemly act. If you would show that "you possess some principle and tact. When we are prospering, the world our friendship loves to gain. As well's it does to slight us when misfortune gives us pain. None grin so oft as those who want for character ; Nor none the lowly poor so often meanl}^ slur. Who far above their neighbors feel are on good terms with pride As they are never known with sense and wisdom to reside. Beware of slighting, if well thought of you would like to be ; And never insult those who often with you disagree. Pray for the day, when signs of cruel war'll be seen no more, But everywhere the emblems of sweet peace — mankind adore. On kindly acts and noble deeds, oft bid your mind to dwell ; As they for honor, truth and justice never fail to tell. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 59 Between the rich and poor, a massive wall's been laid, O'er which no mortal e'er can pass, except when bade. In zealous slaves to pride we rarely find Kindness of heart, or nobleness of mind. How true ! none but the mean, the world's unfortunates oppress, Or bring on them such cruel hardships and such sore distress! If you love peace, then with the mean you'll ne'er associate. While you in wisdom's estimation, will be up-to-date. Lo, noble minds among the rich, do ne'er the poor oppress; As they for justice and fair pla}', too much respect possess. Only in self-defence can you a brother slay. And still within the ranks of Christ be 'lowed to stay. Ay, ay, if you would have your fellow-beings wish you well. Then ne'er allow your mind, on selfishness, too long to dwell. Who gayest seems, may be the first to grieve, Ay, first fond pleasure's banquet halls to leave ! In public or in priv^ate life. It never pays to foment strife. Better by far be humble, than to be called vain and proud, Tho' you be very poorly or the' brilliantly endowed. Changeable minds, like weather cocks, do turn, As they to be consistent never learn. Who would not goodness rather choose than haughty pride, W^hich opes to sin and foolishness its gateways wide. Who artfully distorts the truth for worldly gain Cannot with justice dwell, or roam o'er honor's plain. Who bleeds a kindly heart, thro' false pretences base. Soon brings upon his name, dishonor and disgrace.. Whoe'er forsakes a faithful spouse, to folly meanly yields, And in a shame-faced manner, high the pick of meanness wields. In arguing, how rarely he convinces, who Is surcharged with conceit and bombast, thro' and through. Lo, none but vain and shallow minds, whom only fools admire, Would slight their former friends when they are dressed in plain attire. How wise are they, who in exciting times, are calm and cool; Who in the days of youth, was prudence taught, in wisdom's school. How sweet it seems to feel there's One who still for us doth care When by the world we've been forsook, because we've seen rough fare! Some never like to see their neighbors live, but who are they, But meanness' dirty slaves, who e'en their dearest friends betray. If justice reigned, then the dowm-trodden w^ould their rights obtain, And on the weak, the powerful to tread would never deign. How oft the worldly spirit damns, when Christ's would mercy show, As every student in the schools of life must plainly know! Ah, yes! of earthly names, oh, what one sounds as sweet as "mother?" Dwell where we may, roam where we will, where can we find another? 60 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Who falls into a crafty woman's net Will ne'er the day, while life remains, forget. None but the miserly begrudge the food the needy eat. Nor none more heartily the champions of meanness greet. With those who rarely do their vows and pledges keep, No friendships form, or yon may woe and desolation reap. If you would be well spoken of when you have passed away. Then with the followers of sin have no desire to stray. Of human beings, oh, how few escape the common lot Of the majority, who after death are soon forgot! Because his skin is black, or white, a fellow-man ne'er slight. If you desire in life to stand upnn the side of right. Ay, strictly just men never will a penny wrongly gain. But from dishonesty, in all its varied forms abstain. Look with contempt on those who solemn secrets give away, Lest they your confidence should gain, in order to betray. Ay, with the mean to form new friendships you will ne'er desire, So long as you, in good society to shine, aspire. He who possesses wealth, a great advantage has, indeed. O'er those who daily toil, and those who know what 'tis to need. The wise among the rich are never known to put on airs, Nor, for the young and virtuous, to set alluring snares. In business ne'er your fellow-men delight to rob or cheat, Nor thro' pretences false, your way desire to beat. Advantages should not be overlooked in life, if you Sincerely long to rightly judge the rich or well-to-do. Never encroach upon the rightful domains of another. So long as you revere the noble names of God and mother. Never abuse the fatherless, nor needy widows meanly grind, So long as you love mercy and true nobleness of mind. Speak kindly, if you would your neighbors' good will keep, And folly's seeds ne'er sow, or you may misery reap. The generous deeds of noble minds, how they inspire The hearts of those whom love and kindness most admire! People who notice every little trifling thing See more of gloomy winter than of cheerful spring. Mean natures dearly love to sin, and on their neighbors prey; Such strangers they are known to be to justice and fair play. Do right, and conscience never'll cause you loss of sleep, Nor bid you in the mire of sin to wallow deep. Like envy's slaves, who can the works of others underrate, Or so indecently malign the records of the great? How dispositions mean, delight to wound with envy's sling. And at the innocent and good their dirty insults fling! To those who treat you shabbily, be careful what you say. And from their haunts and habitations strive to keep away. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. ^^ Examine your owu heart, if you would criticise Your neighbor's; if in justice' counsels you would rise Bestow no favors, if you must on truth and justice tread, Or vou some day, in folly's camp, may make your bed Remember, those who cheerfully obey th^^^^f.^/'^^J.^iil Would not their fellow-bemgs rob, oppress, betray, nor kill. Remember if you choose to sin, what a sad wreck you may Become ere from the mortal scenes of earth you'ye passed away. Lose not your senses, when you madly rush for gold, Or later you may suffer miseries untold. Against glib strangers, O, be on yovir guard, Or you may have to learn a lesson hard. Quarrelsome people shuu, il you dou't ^vjf,!''^;'^ ''Ji''^"' And never to the meddlesome, your bosom secrets tell. Women who 'low their minds to dwell on drink and lust Must have allowed their sense of decency to rust. Be careful who you trust, if you about tl>|"\l'"'%''°'"'> ff you the seeds of recklessness have no desire to sow. ^:ro.-i^syoryi:uf.trk!fn^r^poi^rjf^^^ ?f— i't,rra.i^s-^i^rda\i=^^^^^^ ]? trn\ru-.s-of^;'.^s^^^^^ re^r^SonrorAis^^^^^^^^ XTi!ibcty;r;Lt^^^ Avoid a pompous mien, if popular you'd like to be, And study oft the etiquette of sweet humility. Who would with meanness dwell, to i"Sf<^e must be dead. And in the fields of craft and cunning love to tread. Ths mean amon"' the poor with justice rarely roam, 5r wkhThe7r°eSds of'^ighteousiess seem most at home. g^r-rbj^u^rgthe— .7-°'^"^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ?f%="cfu:^ris y--esT That you may walk with wisdom, and with righteousness abide- Lo, sunny dispositions see but little of the blues. As they are rarely known in melancholy's yacht to cruise. Who governs not his passions, self-control must sadly need. Since they, to awful consequences do so often lead. Judge by the character and not the color of the skin, Or you may most deservedly, be often taken in. "A fast life and a merry one," the wise abhor. As champions of peace detest the name of war. From flattering children, parents wise, most prudently refrain. As they, if so unwise, would naught but needless trouble gain. Remember, pigs think only of themselves, no matter where, So if their comrades suffer, starve, and die, they do not care. Who threatens oft but rarely punishes, is most unfit To govern children, or in wisdom's honored courts to sit. Ay, ay, make'children mind, or do not be surprised, If by your neighbors they should some day be despised. How often do the simple on the surface brightly shine, And in the haunts where simpletons reside, delight to dine ! Who make the most of what in life must be. Than those who whine, will far less trouble see. Vicious companionship we cannot woo, and still be wise. Nor in the courts of righteousness, expect some day to rise. Tho' rich or poor, do not affect to be what you are not, If you would honored be, as lessons of the past have taught. Avoid bad company, or rum may stare you in the face, When on your character they've brought dishonor and disgrace. Deal squarely with your fellow-men, if you would justice please. And never for dishonesty, fall down upon your knees. Who falsely swears, deserves to dwell with infamy and shame. Because he doth dishonor so, his character and name. Be prudent and discreet when you would choose a friend. If wisdom, tact, and shrewdness, you would not offend. O'er worldly wealth, the wise and good are never known to crow. As they the seeds of foolishness have no desire to sow. E'en when you suffer from neglect, your talents cultivate. And ne'er, because you're poor, the gifts God gave you, underrate, Lo, he accomplishes the most who has the least to say. Who farthest from vain boasting, loves to labor and to stray. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 69 So long as we aspire, we cannot retrograde, Or, in the hands of shiftlessness, wish to parade. He richest seems, who hath in life contentment won, Who basks beneath the glare of its entrancing sun. Alas! some people never can let "well enough" alone, So consequently they know what it is to sigh and groan. Frown on faint-heartedness, and forward press, if you a prize, Worth having, hope to win, — if you in life would rise. Ambition harmeth not, when it to righteousness is wed. When it cannot, by foul iniquity, be coaxed or led. Do not expect the thoughts of children to be pure. Long's they're allowed at home, to read vile lit'rature. Who longs for happiness of mind, must strive his debts to pay, And never thro' the haunts of recklessness desire to stray. So long as we to sin bow down, with danger we must dwell. And often know what 'tis to be in trouble and in hell. Who fail to rightly live, will seek in vain for happiness, So long as justice' peerless laws the}- wilfully transgress. Ye proud! remember, those w^ho plainly dress. May kindly hearts and noble minds possess! Lo, for your children's sake, have naught to do with rum, Unless to love and mercy's cries you would be dumb. Never discourage those who have resolved to lead More noble lives, but strive to be a friend, indeed. A faithful mother's counsels never cease to venerate, Nor let, as years roll by, their noble influence abate. Stand by the bible, lo, 'til you, some nobler teacher find, Or some day you may long for peace and happiness of mind. Who can please everybody and be strictly just, " Or in a crafty character, serenely trust? The less we hate the better for our welfare it will be. As naught ennobling ever springs from animosity. Whatever injures character, teach children to despise. And everything that honors it to never cease to prize. When passing by a patriot's grave, oh, softly tread. And never lightly speak of mankind's honored dead. Who slurs the rich and damns the poor, are not o'erstocked vvith wit; And to be seen in wisdom's halls are totally unfit. At those whom genial fortune loves to smile upon, do not Throw stones, as envy ne'er with justice walks, as facts have taught. Who like the mean run down the mean, whate'er their stations be, Or who more often drains the dregs of bitter misery? Between the rich and poor, distinctions cease, when death appears. When down the mourner's cheeks, are swiftly flowing sorrow's tears. How quickly are the selfishly-inclined forgot, Soon's 'neath the turf they're laid, if little good they've wrought I 70 COUPIvKTS ON HUMAN NATURE. Mean dispositions never love the good and true, Nor o'er the graves of goodness, reverence' blossoms strew. Who loves to study nature, longs the truths of life to learn, As well's its dark and hidden mysteries to discern. Commune with nature, and with passion you'll have less to do, And to the precepts of wise understanding prove more true. Shun selfishness if many friends you long to claim. Ay, ay, so long as noble living is your aim. Beware of bold assertions that you cannot prove, or you Unto the sacred cause of righteousness, must prove untrue. Few friends have they who live for self, and self alone. And why not so, when they have hearts resembling stone ? The less you have to do with spite, the better, if you would Uprightly walk, or choose a dwelling-place among the good. From gossipers and spiteful dispositions keep away. So long as you believe in honor, justice, and fair play. Whoever courts good nature ought a host of friends to claim. Allowing that he ne'er forgets his character and name. How oft appearances deceive a vain and simple mind, In which the signs of sense and understanding we ne'er find. For every blessing, we should never fail to grateful be, And never haughty seem, in seasons of prosperity. Lend not too oft, if you would on the safe side dwell. And ne'er to those you slightly know, your secrets tell. Ay, ay, if you for other people's feelings ever care, Do not too bluntly speak, if you believe in being fair. In life, stand by your word, and shun whatever brings disgrace, If you your fellow-men, would never be ashamed to face. O, public enemies are they who strive to prejudice The poor against the rich, or efforts grand and noble, hiss! Who loveth not his Maker, will his fellow-men abuse. And oft in meanness' cheerless haunts lie down to snooze. Who firmly trusts in God will frown on suicide. And by the dismal haunts of murder ne'er abide. Never forsake a faithful friend nor enemJes abuse. Nor in the fertile fields of enterprise ne'er beg nor snooze. In occupation, man doth find a fortress strong. To shield him from an inclination to do wrong. If you would be disliked, then act most disobligingly. Or be abhorred, and be a slave to base iniquity. Who just for fun, would torture e'en a worm, should suffer, too; And suffer 'till they swear they'll be more careful what they do. Ay, in the ranks of nobleness he must belong. Who'd never wantonly a fellow-being wrong! Who beareth trials patiently must suffer less than those Alas ! who fret, as prudent wisdom but too plainly knows. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 71 The less you hate, the better you will feel, When you around God's sacred altars kneel. The friends of selfishness of others' woes but seldom think; And at the fount of hospitality as rarely drink. Sneer not at those who have come down in life, if you The name of justice love, or would to right prove true. Ne'er grin at honest toil, no matter how begrimed it be, Nor deign to meanly twit the needy of their poverty. From twitting you must cease, if you in justice' paths would walk, And never needlessly about your friends and neighbors talk. Never abuse the aged, nor the helpless persecute. Not, for oppression's cause, e'er deign to win, e'en one recruit. Ne'er fail in life to cater to whate'er is good and pure. And let the noblest virtues of the heart your mind allure. Bear patiently with those who suffer with the ills of life. And in your intercourse with them avoid uncalled-for strife. He who respecteth not the sabbath day, With righteousness is rarely known to stray. Better have none at all than unsound laws, If they retard the growth of justice' cause. Avoid disputing if you value peace. And from fault-finding gladly strive to cease. Maliciously about our neighbors we should never talk, Nor in the footprints of the mischief-maker deign to walk. Woe be to any land, whene'er its laws are governed by The few, when everywhere is heard oppression's woful cry. Unnecessary criticisms make a host of foes. As every zealous friend of noble understanding knows. Life's duties never shirk, if you desire to justly rise. If you the value of integrity and honor prize. The good may come to want and even beg for daily bread, But O, the passage o'er the silent river they ne'er dread. Who is both orderly and neat, admires propriety. And when at home, or when abroad, appears becomingly. Who would on education frown, must be to folly wed, And to the noble influence of understanding dead. Kind mercy's cries, blood-thirsty natures rarely seem to hear; So they become, thro' heartlessness, objects of scorn and fear. At genius' hallowed shrine, how natural 'tis to venerate. The noble deeds, and priceless teachings of the truly great! Ah, yes ! if lasting popularity you long to see Then truth and justice daily woo, and strict integrity. On morbid subjects ne'er allow your mind to dwell. Or some day you, to folly, may your welfare sell. The works of wisdom, shallow minds but rarely comprehend; So understanding's followers they do quite oft offend. 72 COUPIvETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Whilst justice you revere, you'll never trample on the weak, Nor to earth's poor unfortunates unkindly speak. For others, oh, how seldom doth a selfish heart e'er feel. Or cheerfully beside self-sacrifice's altar kneel! Who enter matrimony's gates, know not what is in store For them, — what trials hard to bear — what tribulations sore ! Never pretend to do what you cannot, nor idly boast Or you may some day land on folly's rough and dismal coast. Do not insult those who beneath you seem to be. Nor sneer at those who suffer from adversity. Women and men, alike condemn, when they from virtue stray. So long as you believe in honor, justice and fair play. Beware of prejudice, if you broad-minded long to be. Eschewing littleness, and shunning cant and bigotry. When death appears it never asks, "Lo, are you rich or poor?" Of this plain, undisputed fact you may be very sure. With those who do the best thay can, do not impatient be, Nor from the glorious field of duty ever deign to flee. The welfare of our nation, we should labor to promote, And only for the noble and the good e'er deign to vote. In wild ideas and notions crude and dark, take little stock, Or in the chair of disappointment you may some day rock. When statesmen lack for character, woe be to any land, When they for principle and worth have no desire to stand. Alas ! how hard it seems to have to kneel To those who haughtil}^ above us feel ! Who loves too well to underrate the works of others, must. In his uncommon stock of self-conceit most firmly trust. Who often indiscreetly acts, for trouble never wants, Nor fails to early find grim tribulation's gloomy haunts. Of idle gossipers do not so much as think, Unless you long to stand on danger's slippery brink. Who twits you of your failings oft, no trusty friend can be. But rather an eye-sore, and an unfeeling enemy. Alas! from angry words, what awful deeds have risen. Whose penalties have been the gallows and the prison. Encourage those whose minds are noble, pure and just. And readily their solemn vows and pledges trust. How far from justice, he hath strayed, who loves to ugly be. Who from fits of ill-humor and abuse is seldom free! Who seeks for mischief oft, with folly must acquainted be. And oft be tossed on trouble's rough, and tempest-raging sea. In calm contentment, progress finds no zealous friend That would encourage, or desire a helping hand to lend. Alas ! how sweet it seems to think of loved ones gone before, When troubles weigh us down and sorrow's billows madly roar! COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 73 Ay, ay, ne'er deign to show your works to those who prize them not, Or to be treated in a shabby way, may be your lot. Low minds for what is noble, good, or grand, but rarely cry. To aspire and to rightly live, they do so seldom try. On lustful passion ne'er allow your mind to dwell, Or you may soon your soul to degradation sell. Justice, to statesmanship, should ever be a beacon light. Or craft and power may be allowed to triumph over right. Who trims the midnight wick too oft, may sometime dearly pay, By cutting short his days, and passing ere his time away. Lo, envious minds well-balanced rarely seem, 'tis plain to see, As they wdth wnsdom, common sense, and reason ne'er agree. Better live singly than to wed a jealous mate. As violence may any hour decide your fate. Miserly souls for meanness never lack, tho' rich or poor. So this explains why justice can't their company endure. Who maketh fun of maidens, he has no desire to wed. The sunn}^ paths of righteousness is rarely known to tread. Lo, who would disrespectful be to maidens young or old Hath to iniquit}^ his honor and his conscience sold. Upon the lakes of justice and of truth you'll never row, So long as you the seeds of wickedness delight to sow. O, envy not the rich, nor their possessions crave; Nor at the folly of the proud e'er deign to rave. Never to new-made friends, your solemn secrets tell. Lest some day you awake to find yourself in hell. What like a treacherous heart can play so well the part of friend. Or oftener the laws of righteousness and truth offend ? Who would entrap his neighbors or their weaknesses betray, Must often woo deceit, and on the beds of treachery lay. Lo, justice we insult, when we look down upon the poor. Ay, when for interest's sake we laud the wealthy evil-doer. Alas ! none are so often mortified As the poor slaves of vanity and pride. Ah, yes ! when trouble comes, our enemies we soon find out. As they to please their ill-will, then begin to loudly shout. Over your passions, daily strive to keep control. Or sometime they your hopes inay blast or ruin your soul. Never forget the noble acts of love and faithfulness, Nor just for gain, take the advantage of those in. distress. How base and cruel he must be, who doth on virtue prey, Who seems to take delight in leading innocence astray ! Ay, ay, who sees in goodness and in kindly deeds. But softness, rarely at the feet of justice pleads. Despised, hard-heartedness has been, and ever'll be, So long's the human breast feels for humanity. 74 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. The kindly heart by giving, or thro' tongue or pen, Loves to promote the welfare of its fellow-men. Repeating matters shows a disposition mean, That honor, truth and justice ne'er would dare to screen. What has more oft the human bosom stung, Than envy's base and mischief-making tongue? Happy is he who has his proper calling found, Tho' it should never be his lot to be renowned. O, what a soothing influence, sweet music doth possess O'er those who keenly suffer from disease and keen distress! When cruel jealousy turns wedlock into hell, Oh, why not separate if you with peace would dwell. O, what can be more soothing than compassion's healing balm, To those who suffer or their troubled feelings quicker calm? Than those who once were poor, who can more meanly slight Their former friends, or wander farther from the right? In him whose passions ne'er have been allowed to madly rage Is plainly seen the tact and wisdom of no would-be sage. An evil heart is an adept at laying snares. And preying on the innocent all unawares. As soon as men have ceased to prosperous be, How quickly summer friends begin to flee! How wrangling natures love to be on the off side, Regardless of the sense of honor or of pride! Mean dispositions love to plague, and basely tantalize Whom they dislike, tho' they in life desire or not to rise. x\s well attempt to dam a river with a sieve As to believe the miserly do justly live. An independent mind, for idle gossip careth not. Nor deigns to worry o'er what this or that one said or thought. Yea, for a contrite heart there's always hope, Tho' thro' sin's gloomiest wilds its way should grope. No worthy mind looks down upon an honest son of toil, Tho' in a mine or shop, or on a rough and stony soil. Whoever loves too well his neighbor's anger to provoke Amounts in wisdom's estimation to a whiff of smoke. The name of babyhood, how kindly mothers love. When in their hearts is fovind the grace of God above. Waited upon the proud and insolent desire to be, As well in trying days of want as in prosperity. A greedy heart will take, but raves when called upon to give, Down on a low and godless plane it loves so well to live. The heart, when running o'er with sin is on the road to crime. And soul-debasing deeds may boldly do most any time. Who longeth for forbidden fruit cannot be wise, Nor to the mountain-peaks of justice hope to rise. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. ^5 By character and not by gold, the righteous j^dge. And for the friends of fortune ne'er an inch do budge. Be miserly, unscrupulous or mean, if you would be Despised, or daily tread the highways of iniquity. Ne'er butt against the truth, if shame you ^?^^Jd ^^^.^^^P' Nor long with error's poisonous seeds, your brain to steep. Rob not yourself of proper sleep, nor fast too long, If you would every day be healthy wise and strong. Of friends, fault-finders seldom have more than they need; Contentment's priceless lessons they so rarely heed. If far from home and friends, it be your lot to ^oam, some day. Remember those who for your welfare never cease to pray. Don't notice every little thing, if you would happy be. If you would ever be a friend to sweet tranquility. Can he be wise, or good, who would for a companion choose A being who dumb animals doth cruelly abuse.-' Remember happiness don't always come with fame Nor sweet contentedness and peace with a great name. Beware of those who advertise. "In ^very case a cure '' For they the contents of your pocket-books long to allure. Thro' law and medicine, how rogues and villains love to prey. Upon their fellow-men, to fleece their precious gold away! Keep clear of debt, if you love peace and happiness of mmd. Or you of woe and misery may a double portion find. Lo, self-reliance we can ne'er too diligently woo. If we desire success to crown whate'er we choose to do The timid rarelv do much good, they are so cursed by tear FaUin'lo do their duty, e'ln toward those they hold most dear. A mother's prayers are priceless jewels to a thoughtful child. And often loving saviors to the wayward and the wild. . Who meanly slights his neighbors 'cause they want for gold. May some day wake, to find himself out m the cold. Refrain from vulgar words and idle talk. If you desire thro' wisdom's haunts to walk. TViP records of the iust, the young should strive to emulate, n they when starti\ig out in life, would pass thro' wisdom's gate. Firmly refuse to honor those, to whom it is not due. If to the principle of justice you love to be true. On hope, foundations never build, or you may soon regret. Your folly, and to indiscretion quickly run in debt. With those who love contention never walk, Nor choose your friends, 'mongst those who wildly talk. 76 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Just to please shallow vanity, or sickly pride, Do not the lowly or the meanly-dressed deride. What like contention can so chill the joy ©f wedded life, Or what more often causes trouble and domestic strife? Learn to love honesty, and you will never rob for gain, Nor in the haunts of heartless greed desire to dance and train. So long as we contend, for happiness we'll vainly seek. In wedded life, tho' we be rich or poor, tho' proud or meek. This solemn and unerring fact, who can, or would e'er doubt? Pride's rankest slaves are those who have the least to boast about. A sheepish look have they, who princely fortunes rear thro' fraud, Who fleece their fellow-men, and at corruption often nod. Suspicious creatures are too ready to accuse, Too willing to believe the most unlikely news. Simply because a brother differs with us in belief. Ought we to persecute, or pray that he may come to grief? Mistakes we often make when we our neighbors' business mind, When we the bottom of their private secrets long to find. Who rightly values a good name will never falsely swear. His neighbors to convict, nor lay for them a deadly snare. Be careful of your health, if peace and long life you desire, And early see that its wise precepts shall your mind inspire. Condemn no man before his case is heard, nor lie for gain, Unless with bare-faced wickedness you love to dance and train. Hail with delight whatever tends to elevate mankind, Whatever proves to be ennobling to the heart and mind. With spiteful dispositions form no friendships, or you may Be often seen where trouble, w^oe, and misery love to stray. Be not afraid to speak when truth and justice are at stake. Nor in a manner cowardly desire your word to break. From dissipation and profanity, what good e'er sprang. Or what accomplishments from falsehood and unseemly slang? Never condemn the rich, because with gold they're well supplied, Nor thoughtlessly to envy bow, their riches to deride. Oh, ne'er unfriendly seem to those who nobly labor for The welfare of their fellow-men, nor deign to meanly jaw. On whom the world has roughly dealt, ne'er frown, Nor deign to kick a brother when he's down. Whatever tends to elevate, with ardor woo. And to the laws of truth ne'er deign to prove untrue. When you a good work would perform, dismayed, O, never be, Tho' oppositions bold and fierce you meet, or mountains see. Meet opposition fairly, or from honor flee. If you the plains of righteousness desire to see. Who thinketh evil of his neighbors must for charity lack, And often wantonly its tender feelings harshly rack. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 77 When to the chambers of the sick, still death doth creep, Ah, then, how comfortless is pride to those who weep! Who slights his humble friends, when fortune sweetly smiles. Away from justice' courts must dwell, ay, many miles. But little urging do we need to call on those we love. Or busy bees ne'er swarm, nor stars can twinkle up above. When members of a family with one another jaw, Peace suddenly departs, it hateth so domestic war. Ye prosperous! remember those who flatter now. May in adversity be first to cease to bow. Woe be to man on earth, should churches cease to be, — The mighty bulwarks reared to shield him from iniquity. Women, less oft than men, upon the feet of justice tread, This fact who can deny, whatever may be thought or said? Women who loudly talk, and often raise their voices high, 'Tis safe to say, will never drink the wells of wisdom dry. Who walketh in the paths of just integrity. From the transgressor's punishment remaineth free. Who meanly grumbles when he has a debt to pay, Must surely dwell from justice' haunts far — far away. Inmansions fair, remember, sinners often dwell, Who prosper thro' their meanness and base falsehoods tell. A Christian home, by holy love presided o'er, The noblest saints of God, might reverently adore. Lo, treacherous hearts with pleasure meanly lie, And artfully their neighbors' failings spy. If you would wed, consider character, as well as gold, Or you to woe, by cunning folly, may some day be sold. Cnildren who have, in wisdom's schools, been rightly taught. For pleasure, never will to gambling dens resort. Shrewd minds when not with righteousness allied. Are prone thro meanness' gates to softly glide. When with the humble, wisdom feels the most at home. Having among the proud, no wish to dwell or roam. When men are too inclined to boast of what they know, How oft, by foolish self-conceit, are they brought low! The simple company of the vainglorious inspireth not; And why should it, when boasting ne'er a noble deed hath wrought? When we're inclined to run our neighbors down, we ought to pray To God, that he may lead us from such folly, far away. Expect bad luck, when you the counsels of sound reason spurn, When prudence you o'erlook, and from foresight few lessons learn. Never bow down to restless passion if you would with peace reside. Or up and down life's thoroughfares with anger long to stride. He is more dreaded than beloved who will be rude and rough. Who loves too well to have his friends and neighbors call him tough. 78 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. How oft the ignorant, when blessed with common sense, succeed, Where learned men have failed, so much for it they stood in need! When sickness and misfortune come, oh, then, how soon we see The helplessness of pride, and emptiness of vanity! Who mourneth long, doth not with wisdom walk, Nor in the chairs of understanding rock. When we desire to injure others, oh, how cheap we feel, Ay, mean as those who rarely know what 'tis to squarely deal ! Meddlesome people often want for friends, and fools for wit, Or men of understanding ne'er in wisdom's circles sit. Alas ! false witnesses to meanness and deceit are wed. And thro' the gloomy vales of wickedness delight to tread. Those who, when life's rough storms do madly howl, forsake us not, Should never cease by us to cherished be, nor e'er forgot. Most any fool can bow, when we are on our feet, But few indeed, when we are helpless on the street. He who has won the approbation of the good and wise, Is one, indeed, who truly doth deserve in life to rise. Be cautious if you would your health preserve, And watchfulness and temperance daily serve. Who find in home a hell, the dregs of woe and misery drain, And battle troubles that may drive the strongest mind insane. He fools with danger, who delights to mad an enemy ; Showing a woful want of tact and wit, 'tis plain to see. Value your word, you will, so long as justice you revere. So long's the noble cause of righteousness to 3'OU seems dear. Remember, noble minds to injure others, never deign. Nor meanly take advantage of, nor injure just for gain. Avoid fast living, if you would with happiness reside, And ne'er become d cringing slave to vanity and pride, Lo, who between the rich and poor, distinctions love to make, Can ne'er in justice' sinless courts, its noblest prizes take. Never insult your visitors, whilst honor you revere, Nor at their weaknesses and failings deign to meanly sneer. Despise no man because he owns of wealth no princely share. Nor look down on the worthy, when in life they find rough fare. Never condemn what you know naught about, or you may err, , And very justly, understanding's enmity incur. Honor and principle, men never'll slight So long as they desire to do \yhat's right, Lo, in the hey-day of prosperity Extravagant with gold, oh, never be ! Of those who meanly look down on the poor, beware, And ijever lightly speak of those who roughly fare. Live nobly, if you would a follower of Christ become. And you will never seem, to goodness' cause, like one that's dumb. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 79 What useful lessons trials often teach, To those who listen and to those who preach ! That child may well rejoice who was by Christian parents reared In virtue, grace, and truth — the boons by goodness so revered. Envy and pride are burdens still to good society, And while degrading sin exists will never cease to be. O, rouse yourselves, and think ye ! who are easily led; And to temptation's honeyed words, seem as one dead. Who loveth honor, will refrain from slandering the rich, And far from cruel envy's haunts desire his tent to pitch. Who would oppress the poor, in order to enrich the few, To the inspiring cause of righteousness must prove untrue. Honor has nought to do with one who sells his vote, Who never longs the public's welfare to promote. With help the greedy boss is not considerate. He cares so little for their welfare or their fate. Who loveth righteousness will ne'er his help oppress; Nor grind for some mere, petty debt, those in distress. Surroundings have with character so much to do. We must be watchful, if to goodness we'd prove true. "Live and let live," what more refreshing motto can we find, More pleasing to the heart, or more congenial to the mind? Who think that priv'leges and wealth belong but to the few. To the best interests of their native land may prove untrue. Men never seem at home with those who 'bove them feel, Nor willingly desire to work to their best weal. To the light-fingered conscience seems to be unknown, So long the seeds of craft and folly they have sown. Who would the common people overlook, The cause of righteousness must have forsook. Ay, ay, conceited natures shun as you would poisonous air, So long as you for justice, truth and understanding care. In struggling to obtain the prizes of success, How often men defy the laws of righteousness. Because the wicked prosper in this world of calm and strife. Be not surprised, for money buys the good things of this life. Who rather than disgrace his name, would sacrifice success. Cannot belong in the mean ranks of sordid selfishness. If you love children, then with pure and upright neighbors dwell, If you believe good influences must for virtue tell. Who thinks more of his salary than of his native land Consistently for honor's cause could never stand. We must do good and ever strive to emulate the just, If we would not forgotten be when we have turned to dust. The mean, however prosperous in life, are soon forgot, But records of the good, thro' endless ages may be sought. 80 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Who findeth fun and pleasure in the mishaps of another, Forfeits his right to be saluted as a human brother. Parents who treat their children disrespectfully, Cannot be friends of honor and integrity. Who for the young and helpless never seem to care, Richly deserve in life, to find unsavory fare. Whoever trims the m.idnight lamp, in a mad rush for wealth. Does so — 'tis plain enough to see — at the expense of health. Whoever sneers at knowledge, and at education grins, Alas, against his own best interests foolishly sins. Ay, ay, God pity those, who've been to cruel natures wed, Whose tender hearts, by them, have been most mercilessly bled, Good children rarely hesitate their parents to obey. Thro' wise obedience' pleasant paths they love so well to stray. He who forgets humanity when he in life hath risen, Alas ! may find himself some day where he belongs — in prison. Whatever edifies the mind, zealously cultivate. Remembering we can wisdom learn, if we cannot be great. Cease threat'ning children, and begin to execute, Or they with you some day, the mastery may dispute. Who daily teach their children to abhor extravagance, In no uncertain way, their dearest interests advance. In governing the young avoid extreme severity. If you expect in after years by them to honored be. With children, oh, be sparing of your praise. If you would bring them up in wisdom's ways. Whoever, for self-interest's sake, his rivals would malign, In noble justice' stainless courts is never known to shine. Parents who fail to make unruly chidren mind. Most likely will, in life, their share of misery find. Who acts too hastily knows what it is to feel Remorse's sting, that pierces like a blade of steel. Tho' rich or poor, oh, do the works of wisdom highly prize. If you in life, desire above dark ignorance to rise. Among the lowly noble minds are often found. Whose kindly hearts, with goodly virtues do abound. For other peoples' feelings selfish natures seldom care, Alas ! because'they think so often of their own welfare. Oh, tempted child! think of your loving parents, kind and true» Then hesitate; and for their sakes, be careful what you do. Remember nothing can be proved by mere belief. Or godless rogues and villains never come to grief. How oft it seems as tho' those noble mothers' hearts would break, Who live with brutal husbands, rather than their young forsake 1 Shun haughtiness of mind, as you would poison's deadly bowl. Unless down on the plains of foolishness you long to roll. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 81 Tho' wealth and power and glory we may claim, There's naught can take the place of a good name. Who would uplift the fallen, or to goodness nobly rise, More likely will succeed the less he longs to criticise. Alas! fools seldom care to do a generous act, They want so much for nobleness and worthy tact. Be>vare of those who run religion down, For in dark days they'll oft upon you frown. Who knows when he's well off may many a pitfall shun, When those who thoughtless live, by trouble are undone. Who would a faithful mother e'er forget. Must be to sin and folly deep in debt. Who would reclaim the fallen must to them most kindly speak. Treating them like a friend, who has thro' sickness become weak. Who has a judgment weak, for trouble ne'er'll want. Or simpletons the poor are never known to taunt. That maiden never will fair wisdom's laurels reap, Who striveth not from sin her character to keep. Who loveth justice' cause, and soberly doth think Will never long to tempt his neighbor with strong drink. When father and when mother rest within the silent tomb. Oh, may their kind advice within our hearts still brightly bloom! From goodly influences, who would profit not, In bold temptation's luring nets may oft be caught. Who manfully refuses to forsake the cause of right. For honor, truth and righteousness wall never cease to fight. Whate'er one's calling be in life. We should avoid uncalled-for strife. Better a thousand times with hunger dwell, Than to the cause of rum your honor sell. Who truly loves his native land, would ne'er a traitor be. But in the hour of peril, fight for home and liberty. What troubles pass him by, who thinks before he speaks, As from too flippant tongues much ugly-mischief leaks. Innocent pleasure promotes health In sons of poverty or wealth. No good e'er comes from acting proudly. Nor noble thoughts from dressing loudly. A shallow mind can never emulate the great, Nor fools with dignity rule o'er a Christian state. Low pleasures shun, if you would not your mind debase. Or you some day upon 3'our name may bring disgrace. A sunny heart must he possess w^ho'd please his fellow-men, Tho' in a hovel, or among the prosperous upper-ten. Who wickedly compromises, his ends to gain, We fear in noble justice' bed has rarely lain. 82 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Who fortune wins thro' fraud and trickery, Must be in league with foul iniquity. Who has a cross and fretting wife to damn his home Is amply justified should he desire to roam. To cover up his sins, who doth to falsehood fly, May never for his love of truth and honor die. O, how inspiring seems the company Of those who each day would more noble be! Lo, to degrade mankind, where can we find a greater curse Than old king Alcohol, or one that oft'ner drains the purse. When those who wed commence to wrangle and to jaw, How soon appears home's betterest foe, domestic war! Ay, ay, salvation comes thro' grace, and is the gift of God, Which men can never gain by work, however hard they plod. By blind emotion who would e'er be led. Who has on wisdom's food been often fed. As kindly deeds, what diamonds ever shone so brightly. Or in the realm of nobleness e'er seemed so sightly? Godless are they who never for their fellow-creatures feel, Who at the altars of the just are never known to kneel. Love what is good we must, and every evil thought eschew, Or we cannot to honor and integrity prove true. Minds that are fascinated by each senseless show, Dwell on a plane, from wisdom's heights far — far below. Who gives a library, a priceless present's made, Whose influence for good" and knowledge never'll fade. Who oft upon his neighbors has his own misdoings sworn. When death has done its work, how few o'er him desire to mourn ! To independent be, O, every mortal should aspire. Who honor wooes, or to be burdensome has no desire. Who labors for the interests of sin Must in the end, but woe and folly win. Who in strong drink his only comfort seems to find. Will wisdom's golden wreath around his brow ne'er twine. Who forward seems, or acts unworthily, Is a sore burden to good company. Despise no fellow-man, however mean or base. So long as you in him can signs of goodness trace. Who would upon another dump his load of sin. To honor's courts is never seen to enter in. The luring paths which lead to sin, whoe'er forsook. By simply gazing at a proud and haughty look ? Lo, with the humble, wisdom loves to peacefully abide, Far — far away from envy, jealousy and senseless pride. Who loves to kindly act, e'en toward an enemy, Must have a heart that's governed by sweet charity. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE- 83 There is a decent pride commendable in all, On which the wisest never can too often call, Alas! we seek in vain for nobleness in pride, For how could it with such a friend to folly 'bide? The oftener we sin, the bolder we become, Or cruel hearts are ne'er to mercy's pleadings dumb. An evil heart with aught that's good, has no desire to dwell, Down on a low and godless plane it loves to live so well. For idle show, how many have their fortunes spent, Ay, to outshine their neighbors they were so intent ! Above the coffin of a friend, 'tis well to say, "How useless noM' is pride, or millions stored away!" How edifying, ay, how sweet, it seems to talk With those who love with truth and honesty to walk ! He has an evil heart, who loves to injure others, though He dwells within a mansion grand, or in a cottage new. Who envy e'er escaped, if he in life hath strove to rise, Whate'er his lot, however gifted, or however wise? Lo, earthly riches never can bring happiness To those who do the laws of honesty transgress. The haughty pride of wealth, devoid of sense and wisdom seems, As it with seeds of vain exclusiveness so thickly teems. How quickly happiness departs, soon's we contentment slight, Tho' in a mansion or a cot, when day becometh night! Who labors for the cause of righteousness Would ne'er for gain his fellow-men oppress. Alas! a sordid heart thinks onh^ of self-interest, And on the couch of nobleness is never known to rest! Alas ! suspicious minds for trouble never cease to look; And oh, why not, when long ago they reason's haunts forsook ? Who longs for intellectual company In understanding's courts may some day be. The noble deeds of right and goodness strive to emulate. And with aught that is mean or low, O, ne'er associate. Who can himself belittle more than he who loves to sin. Who thro' his folly fails the honors of good sense to win. Taste not, then rum will never drag you down. Nor when your gold hath flown, upon you frown. Parents who do indulge their children to excess. Can useful lessons learn from sense and righteolisness. How carping critics love to grin, when they some flaws discern. When they to understanding's schools, should go, some sense to learn, Tho' erring man, thro' meanness, may a season prosper here, When solemn death draws nigh, how few then shed the heart-felt tear! In life, mean hearts may prosper, but when dead, they're soon forgot. This telling fact, in mankind's history is plainly taught. 84 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. So long as you to craft and treachery would be dumb, Nigh base deception's luring haunts you ne'er should come. Alas ! how mean and foolishly we often act When we to anger yield our better sense and tact ! Miserly natures ne'er with nobleness long to abide, Down on a base and wretched plane they love so to reside. Lo, none but evil minds the efforts of the good attack, Alas ! for noble qualities they do so sadly lack. Parents who would before their children wisely walk. Will ne'er with topers and vain busybodies talk. Whose wants are few in life, in trouble's ranks but rarely tread. And rarer still desire to sleep in restlessness' hard bed. Knowledge acquired when under mad excitement's spell, 'tis vain To e'er imagine that it is more easy to retain. In anecdotes, O, what amusement we may find To cheer a heavy heart, and please a troubled mind ! Maidens should ne'er forget that they too trustful can become, And to discretion's warnings never wish that they were dumb. He who reveres a sainted mother, never will betray A trusting maid, nor lead from haunts of purity away. Who will not trusty warnings heed, must pay the penalty, And at the shrine of folly weep and plead on bended knee. On flippant tongues, who would implicitly rely. To wise discretion's haunts cannot dwell very nigh. Untruthful minds would mountains make of hillocks small, They love so well to dwell with littleness and gall. Who would his character disgrace, to please his love of show, The learning of the wise may never be his lot to know. How drear indeed, his lot must really be, Who's always hounded by adversity! When to discouragement we bow, and look on the dark side, Oh, then between us and fair wisdom, lies a chasm wide. The thoughts of impure minds, to health may prove a curse. And prematurely bring the uninvited hearse. Who lacks the living faith, that soars to heaven and God, May never in the sunny fields of wisdom plod. Ay, every goodly work, O, hail with rapturous joy. But every base one strive to cripple and annoy. But cruel hearts and shameless ones the aged would abuse, Or those who long in life to rise rare offers would refuse. A self-willed mind is seldom led away. And with sensation careth not to stray. Reason in self-conceit we never find, Nor wisdom in mere haughtiness of mind. Alas! for mercy he may cry in vain, some day. Who lies in wait to lead the innocent astray. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE- 85 Alas ! in conversation, or in jest, or joke, O, what like ignorance can learning's ire provoke? Fond parents' hopes are not fulfilled in every forward child, Or May flowers bloom in March, and elephants are never wild. O, how the ignorant the friends of wisdom aggravate, Ay, ay, when back biting is seen to be their leading trait ! When treachery domineers a deep and subtle heart, How oft its perfidy makes right and reason start ! For worth and justice he must sadly lack, indeed, Who dwells with those who would a fellow-being bleed. Soon's stubbornness with ignorance has been allied. Then reason flees in company more wise to 'bide. Hearts that are base, on spotless virtue meanly frown, When they desire to drag some fellow-being down. Seek understanding if you would be wise, And in the sinless courts of wisdom rise. No wonder faith declines when men become To spirit truths and pleadings, blind and dumb. Who on the carnal things of earth their hopes have firmly set, May when too late their want of foresight and good sense regret. As well attempt to move a mountain with a rake, As to believe a miser would his gold forsake. Lo, Morpheus more sweetly smiles on those who daily toil. Than on the sons of fortune, who their fingers rarely soil. A little mind an enemy would not forgive. As it with nobleness has no desire to live. Ay, ay, than av'rice' menial slaves, who can more basely act. Or who the feelings of the just and good more oft have racked. A callous heart that's mean, ne'er hesitates to sin, Whene'er the chance occurs to pull some greenhorn in. Minds that are broad have naught to do with bigotry, As they with fair play love to be in company. Who can religious bigotry admire, To sit in wisdom's courts would not aspire. The more exclusive we become, the more unjust, For men, tho' rich or poor, must turn sometime to dust. The heart of girlhood longs to be in love. As blossoms crave sweet raindrops from above. O, envy not the great! why foolish act? Why to the world display a want of tact? The haughty proud forget to humble be. To bend before the Lord a willing knee. A muddy stream the critic's eye detests, As justice-loving minds, gossiping pests. Grim Atheist ! w^ho lovest thee ? From whom the good desire to flee. 86 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Sly women, who in company most modest seem, Down in their hearts allow deception's seeds to teem. Who ne'er forgets the influences of a Christian home. Temptation's luring snares will shun, wherever he may roam. The youth who shuns an evil woman's snare, Hath dodged a load of trouble, pain, and care. How sweetly smiles an evil woman, when She would make simpletons of sinful men ! Who daily strives to climb the stairs of righteousness, will be Less prone to seek the paths which lead to base iniquity. Who to the poor and lowly would uncivil be. Will honor's highest peaks, in vain desire to see. Rude natures rarely bow to wise civility, Or feel, ay, quite at home, in genteel company. Who in his manners would be always rough, Will find himself disliked, ay, quite enough. Oh, what like meanness can the heart of indignation fire. When it would righteousness and honor trample in the mire! Parents who to their children strong drink early give, Cannot with wisdom walk, nor with the upright live. Lo, in the vales of ignorance the meanest bigots dwell. Who thro' their talk and actions seem to make of life a hell. How oft a saintly mother's kind advice Returns when sin our footsteps would entice! Fear to act sinfully, and sorry 3^ou will never be. But in this life more happiness and pleasure surely see. Disdain to wrangle, quarrel, fight and jaw. Unless you long for wretchedness and war. Remember, kindly words, like music's strains can cheer. The hearts of those whose lot in life seems dark and drear. Oh ! from deceiving cease in wedded life, Unless you love contention, woe, and strife. Who to his help insultingly would speak. Cannot too quickly sense and justice seek. In every age the miserly have been despised. And O, why not, unless pure meanness should be prized? How oft in wedlock, those who will deceive Have caused fond, trusting hearts to sorely grieve! Penurious minds some bugbear see in every call for aid. No matter where, or when, of giving they are so afraid. Miserly hearts are dead to justice, worth and shame, As they are to the honors of a noble name. Shun dissipation if you long in life to rise. If you discretion's precepts would forever prize. To favor his own interests who would to falsehood kneel, Alas! might under other circumstances cheat and steal. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 87 Who loves to injure must possess a callous heart, That by the lash of justice can't too often smart. The spotless records of the just, men love to venerate, When on their noble qualities they stop to meditate. A wagging tongue to wickedness allied, Has often peace and common sense defied. Alas ! if children have in sin-curst homes been born, Then well may justice weep, and wisdom look forlorn. How hard it seems to reason with a jealous mind. Or in an envious heart, the seeds of right to find ! A cruel heart, the name of niercy barely knows, Alas! so oft it has life's tender feelings froze. An evil heart in subtle w^ays delights to sin. And heartless snares to set, to rope the careless in. Ay, ay, in their own nets the crafty oft are caught. As meanness' gloomy annals have for ages taught. With a bad woman, who for craft and cunning can compete. Or her foul record for denying truth e'er hope to beat? Why should we follow in the footsteps of debasing sin, When by so doing, we none of life's worth}' trophies win? Who honors sin in any form, with justice walketh not, Or simpletons in wisdom's ranks for truth have nobly fought. What are unfeeling hearts but thorns and briars to sweet home? If they are not, then fools delight with wisdom's sons to roam. Lo, little can be reaped from shallow minds, but idle talk, That often has, and often may the friends of wisdom shock. Far-seeing minds, if wise in life, least trouble see. Or figs on grape-vines grow, and pinks upon a tree. Whoever would a story-teller trust, The mind of wisdom fills with rank disgust. Lo, who a goodly mother's teachings e'er would spurn, Who in the priceless schools of wisdom loves to learn? Deceitful eyes and flattering words are wed to sin. As they the young and innocent love to take in. The evil-minded always something shocking see, And still forget to flee themselves from deviltry. In wisdom's honored school, to greatness' mount whoever rose. Who reason's counsels shunned, to settle arguments by blows? What cherished thought on earth doth seem so comforting as this? "There is a better land of joy and love and endless bliss." Impudent questions we should never deign to ask, So long as we desire in justice' vales to bask. When thro' your greed for gold, vain folly makes you smart, Remember you from it must some day surely part. With haughty women, common sense has naught to do, So oft to reason's priceless laws they prove untrue. 88 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Conceited people seldom thro' the fields of wisdom roam, And in the haunts of common sense less rarely seek a home. Better by far be ignorant than bad, when knowledge would Lead us away from vales where dwell the upright and the good. A wary foe in broad day-light as well attempt to pen, As to believe that wisdom loves poor, self-conceited men. Credulous minds with nonsense often dine, To feast on fruit from folly's tem.pting vine. The less the brain capacity of self-conceited minds, The more of bombast and of shallowness one surely finds. Lo, none like Christians love the fallen to reclaim, From dens where revel degradation, vice and shame! When little minds are proud, how they despise the poor, Pretending they cannot their company endure. When pride and stupidness in men are found, we seek in vain For common sense, as we do in a self-conceited brain. Who lacks for common sense, or judgment sound, In understanding's ranks will ne'er be found. How inconsiderate is he who doth expect too much, Whou'erthe precious fruit on reason' vines would taste or touch! Better be poor than to be rich and be despised, As rightly sages have in every age surmised. Who doth not read the Book of books, oh, what does he pass by? The vital truths which teach men how to live and how to die. In forwardness we never signs of goodness see, Nor in a wayward child, a love of modesty. Beware of those who talk too smoothly to your face, Or you foul treacher3-'s steps ma}^ some day plainly trace. Who sneers at justice and at wisdom meanly grins, May some day answer for a multitude of sins. He who would please his fellow-men, agreeable would be. And study well the codes of kindness and civility. Who prefers drink to goodly books lives on a carnal plane. That noble worth and righteousness to visit ne'er would deign. Pity the soul whose faith in God is weak. And to encourage always kindly speak. In everything the selfish heart consults self-interest. E'en when it stops to gaze unfeelingly at the distrest. The route to wisdom we shall never find, 'Til business not our own we cease to mind. Who of his riches often boasts, to please his haughty pride. With wisdom or with understanding rarel)' doth abide. He who, with bad companions, loves to nightly stray, For his foolhardiness may sometime dearly pay. When dissipation enters a God-fearing home, How quickly peace desires far — far away to roam. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 89 O hail, thrice hail ! whatever has a tendency to make The heart more pure and noble, and more just for goodness' sake. O, Word of God ! where like upon thy hallowed pages old, Can sinners find such peace and joy, or such unfading gold? Ay, av, an angry countenance, good sense repels, Like needless ignorance the wise, where learning dwells ! The persevering mind has wonders wrought. As mighty efforts of the past have taught. O mad Excess ! who follows thee is blind, To the best welfare of the heart and m.ind ! What woe, remorse, and pain doth liquor breed. To damn the home and force the heart to bleed! He who from indiscretion's sins abstains. Most wisely acts, by shunning needless pains. Lo, when will mischief-makers no more trouble sow? That seeds of kindness they should drop, when will they know? Remember, gossipers are dead to truth and shame, As they are to the honors of a worthy name. Intolerance is oft to meanness wed. And to the laws of right completely dead. No tongue can harm so long as we uprightly walk, Tho' gossipers should night and day about us talk. How bigots cling to erring creeds. E'en wiien they're running o'er with weeds! Unscrup'lous greed at honesty and justice basely grins, For how could it be otherwise when it so often sins? He wisely acts who doth refrain from strife. Rebuking those who would their neighbors knife. Whene'er we use our fellow-men for tools, We must be patronizing folly's schools. He who misrepresents his case for gain. Brings on his character a needless stain. The greedy heart to mammon sells its soul. Then goes to seed down in a greenback roll. Lo, to dumb animals, oh, never be unkind, _ Or you may seek in vain for nobleness of mind. Who can be just and still uphold religious bigotry. Who loves to follow in the footsteps of integrity? Few children e'er forsake the faith to them in childhood taught, However stormy, rough and drear, or bright may be their lot. The miserly the needy love to taunt. And basely sneer at those who come to want. "Look down upon the poor," fools say,— ♦Twill never wash their sins away. How soon false friends depart, when we come down. When we put on misfortune's cheerless gown ! 90 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Death only can reveal another life 'Tis plain, whatever doctrines may be rife. How quickly wisdom disappears When stubborness men's reason steers! When men become but made-up shams, We cannot wonder reason damns. From sneering we can ne'er too soon refrain, Which causes needless, ay, uncalled-for pain. If we can do no good, why do our neighbors harm. Why not be wise, why not be ever cool and calm? Shun every kind of food that never doth with you agree. And every kind of pleasure that corrupts as quickly flee. Oh, Man ! do not forget that beasts can feel, When you would pierce them with a blade of steel ! Alas ! in selfishness we seek in vain to find. Sweet kindliness of heart, or nobleness of mind ! Rough natures often tread upon the feet of tenderness, When mercy's and compassion's laws they carelessly transgress. Indolent natures dread to exercise, As they do from a downy bed to rise. To be the despised slaves of cruelty has never paid, As they, no matter where, are ever on the down-hill grade. Who doth rebuke in an insulting manner. Is rarely seen beneath discretion's banner. This fact, oh, ponder well, then place on memory's choicest shelf, That men in general labor for the interests of self. A marriage ne'er is genuine in which love forms no part, — That's wanting in the magic cement of the human heart. Those unwise parents who their children aggravate, Should strive to rid themselves of such a senseless trait. Who laughs too frequently infringes on good sense, Tho' they with vagrants roam, or dwell with fortune's gents. How he good judgment lacks, who will to strangers show His purse of gold, and of its contents loudly blow ! Whose ill-behavior causes him to be despised, When bosom friends depart, ought not to be surprised. Far-seeing he must be who wovild a home in glory win, Who justly lives that he may be prepared to enter in. Because they lack for gold, how oft the gifted bow to want. When fortune's favored sons do naught but meanly grin and taunt. Who joyless wrangling and blind stubbornness will nurse. Must to the peace of home become a cruel curse. In judging character, oh, circumstances ne'er forget, To which the human race must ever deeply be in debt. Dumb animals, oh, ne'er abuse, but to them kindly speak, And never wantonly on them, your godless vengeance wreak. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. ^l People we do not love, how natural 'tis to slight, And when they often call, to wish them out of sight! Better with honor wisely walk, tho' we in rags appear, Than to grow rich thro' sin, and daily justice' servants tear. Who leads a double life, the tact of wisdom ne'er has learned. And needlessly in folly's fire may be severely burned. Better be readv for than fear the hour of death Than shudder ^at the thought of life's expiring breath. Tho' to perfection here no mortal can attain, Still wisdom daily cries: "O, strive and strive again ! Ay likely you will shun the pit-falls of despair, If you believe with all your heart in faith and prayer. Vain natures love their persons to adorn, Tho' in a cottage or a palace born. There's nothing takes the place of money here, However loved or prized, however dear. When melancholy moods are caused by bilious bile. On sweet contentment it has no desire to smile. So long as minds with noble thoughts are occupied. Between themselves and sin is seen a chasm wide. Count him no worthy friend, who sweetly smiles in palmy days, But frowns when adverse winds arise and from you meanly strays- When in a cot we dwell, the friends who rarely call Might be forgot when goodly fortunes to us fall. The heart of sterling worth, its love and mercy gives. And in the fear of God and justice daily lives. A narrow mind its faults too seldom sees. For it with self-conceit too well agrees. He who is oft abused by a mean boss, Is justified, no doubt, for being cross. How tranquil seem contentment's rosy bowers. When gentle peace its countless blessings showers ! In him who loves to inflict pain, For sympathy we seek in vain. Wisdom declares: "I much prefer good books ^^ To vain and gaudy show, or mere good looks. In this wide world of pleasure, pain and strife, Lo, how uncertain are the ways of life ! In character and works, O, seek for worth, But ne'er in empty words, nor gold and birth. Black hell ! old age, when cursed by chilling waut, When fruitless years continually taunt. He loses naught who values time, E'en tho' a devotee of crime. Alas ' a vain or fickle mind, lo. who would trust, Or piace dependence in? Ay, only those who must. 92 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. He'll oft be slurred, and oft run down Who on his neighbors loves to frown. By dreading tasks, they harder seem to bear, As useless fretting but increases care. When we respect for other peoples' feelings show, In right and justice we believe, as friends of fair play know. Ay, ay, how true! a gossip-breeding heart Thro' its own folly oft is made to smart ! What woe and trouble spring from ignorance ! Ay, what a curse to earth's inhabitants ! Oh, what like rum the dens of sin can fill, Or quicker man's good resolutions kill? Lo, in strong drink a dangerous foe is found. Within whose whirlpool many a soul's been drowned. The poisonous cup, by it, oh, never tempted be, If you would shun the dismal haunts of misery. Oh, how men suffer when they notice every little thing, When they to fretfulness their wrongs and tribulations bring. Pity, poor suffering's staunchest friend has ever been, From whom, base selfishness can never hope to wean. The gloomy mind that o'er insults delights to brood, Has often dined on folly's peace-destroying food. As wisdom is non-partizan It always votes for the best man. Those who have learned to think 'tis hardest to deceive, As thoughtless minds o'er folly's sins more often grieve. How fools delight to hover round fair fortune's sons. And swiftl}' shoot their wads of praise thro' flattery's guns! Who would coerse his fellow-men, for justice careth not, More than the man who would allow his conscience to be bought. Who knows us not in stormy days, lacks nobleness of mind, In whom we seek in vain the righteousness of Christ to find. Who studies human nature may a mine of knowledge gain, That minds less wise and serious, to find might seek in vain. How often hearts are hardened by the love of gold. When sense and justice have to greediness been sold 1 Who feels far — far above us when misfortune drags us down, On such, in better days, it seems as tho' we had a right to frown. The noblest saints of God, have oft in garrets dwelt, And without murmuring, the pangs of hunger felt. Who slights us when the world against us seems, Is never found where spotless justice beams. If men would look ahead what awful crimes they'd shun. And ne'er consent thro' wickedness to be undone. He who becomes inflated with conceited gas, Will never thro' the gates of understanding pass. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 93 From hasty resolutions of impulsive hearts Spring bitter woes, at whose recital reason starts. Whoe'er forgets good deeds to praise, Or who the haunts of childhood's days? Kindly, not biting words, the fallen cheer. As love the virtues of the heart endear. When from the heart sweet purity hath flown, How soon departs the joy that it has known How wise are they who shun the haunts of vice, Whose godless charms can ne'er entice! 'Tis plain, one's education never'll be complete So long as moral training sits in a back seat. Good-bye to peace in wedded life when love grows cold, And fond affection's flowers on memory's altars mould ! What woe and trouble spring from ignorance, — Oh, what a curse to earth's inhabitants? Indulgence shun, or habit's chains may bind, Destroying soon the body, soul, and mind. Who wise discretion lacks may oft be keenly stung, And often know what 'tis to have the bosom wrung. Ingratitude some den should seek. And never to a mortal speak. Lo, he who loves too well to growl "I can't," Ought to dwell with the fool who says, *'I shan't." He proves to be an enemy to love and peace Who of his neighbors' faults to talk will never cease. How oft the thoughts of those whose lot it is to roam. In fancy wander back to mother, love and home! The patriot's breast to home and country is allied, For whom so many men have fought and died." Disdain to be dishonest and fair play uphold, And ne'er your conscience sell to please your love for gold. Oh, prejudice the young against the flowing bowl, Which shatters health, and blasts the soul ! No place like home, to teach the truths of life, To those who soon must tread its fields of strife. When men despair, then self-possession flees. And terror's piercing claws their vitals seize. The kindly heart some feeling shows for others, Which soothes like love that springs from goodly mothers. Just to please spite, oh, never doubt a brother's word. Or prematurely judge before his case is heard. Pugnacious natures shun, if you would tranquil peace enjoy, As they delight in brawls, when they can injure and destroy. When we are spiteful, then the laws of right we disobey. And from the straight and narrow path are wandering far away. 94 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Whoe'er attracts attention by his zeal for doing good, The noblest fame has won, for he has dined on wisdom's food. Our shrewdest sins may advertise ns, when we least surmise, And wreck our prospects, to our sore distress and great surprise _ The farther from the saving grace of God we choose to stray, To sin's alluring wiles the sooner we'll become a prey. Who wrangles least in wedded life, most comfort really sees, As harmony, with gentle peace and love, the best agrees. IvO, e'en with oosom friends who love society, In everything how hard it seems to quite agree. He walketh not with Christ, who loves to wrangle and to scold, And, without sense or reason, boasts of property and gold. Oh, how unhappy dispositions chill the atmosphere, And dampen hope, and everything that man holds dear ! Beware of those who claim to have no weaknesses nor faults, Or you may sometime unexpectedly with folly waltz. An earthly paradise — a Christian home, From which love ne'er desires to hide nor roam. He wisest seems who carps and criticises least, Who on his neighbors' faults has no desire to feast. Wise are the rich who on degrading sin look down. Who on the lowly ne'er are known to meanly frown. Parents who furnish an attractive home Will find their children less inclined to roam. How blest are they who culture's classic heights attain. Who on its charming greens are wont to dance and train. Plead with the fallen, but not in an o'erbearing way. Or you for them may find it useless, e'en to pray. Much time he wastes, who broods o'er vain regrets, Like those who would bring back departed pets. Ay, ay, the lowly poor, tho' talented or not. By shoddy aristocrasy have been forgot. From two-faced gossipers, oh, pra^^ That God may lead you far away. By God, good deeds can ne'er forgotten be, Nor kindly words — the words of charity. O, for a contrite heart to worship God, To meekly bear in peace, his chastening rod ! Who rarely keeps his promises must be to honor dead. From whose ungodly presence it must long ago have fled. Pity the child whose parents to excess imbibe, And eschew those who sell their honor for a bribe. Who would be up-to-date must in the paths of progress tread. If he on shrewd advancement's dainties would be fed. He lacketh foresight who desires to wed whom he loves not, As woful records of the past have but too plainly taught. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 95 The proud and haughty might from wisdom golden lessons learn, If they in humbleness of mind could common sense discern. To vainly boast of learning is to show one's want of it, Or knaves for honesty would toil, or simpletons for wit. Who squander gold for ostentatious show, The seeds of recklessness and sin must sow. When we have done our duty, O, how satisfied we feel. If we believe in fair play and an honorable deal. An inconsid'rate man on trouble often calls, Wanting for foresight so, in folly's pits he falls. The partial mind doth never rightly judge, More than the fool who loves to nurse a grudge. With pride and self-conceit, O, ne'er associate. If you in goodness' realm desire to be called great. Oh, never frown upon the humble efforts of the lowly, Nor mock the forms and ceremonies of the good and holy. Ay, truth and justice wisely act, when they do sneer At those who are in judging, wont to be severe. The callous heart of selfishness is never satisfied. In mansion or in cot, with tranquil peace, 'twill never 'bide. Base minds in nearly everything, do naught but evil see; Grinning at those who fail, they love so well iniquity. Be ever on your guard against mad jealousy. If you have no desire to act imprudently. How hard it seems to reason with a jealous mind, When daily signs of base unfaithfulness it strives to find! The evil-minded are more prone to be suspicious than A goodly heart, the flames of sin they love so well to fan. Who at the fallen meanly grin and sneer May some day long themselves for pity's tear. Act not insultingly, but your own business mind, If you sweet peace and happiness desire to find. Oh, never to the fallen harshly speak, But when you answer feel that they are weak. When tempted to act sinfully, ah, then, say "No," Or you the blighting seeds of folly may soon sow. Base minds too oft suspect, good ones to seldom for their weal, Or touching words and deeds to tender hearts do ne*er appeal. Alas ! how soon a haughty mind is by the world forgot ! And why not so, if it with sin and foolishness was fraught? Who striveth hard the public's eyes to blind. Possesses a base heart, and a low mind. Remember, evil minds do never fairly judge Those men and women, ay, toward whom they hold a grudge. Toward enemies how few desire to kindly act, Tho' they for goodly qualities have never lacked! 96 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. How true, a bold and brazen face Is a fit emblem for disgrace ! Base is the heart that would deceive, Or cause the innocent to grieve. How often from mere foolish trifling, death ensues, — The sad reward of senseless fun, done to amuse ! The more men talk, the less they do, — This solemn fact, alas, how true! No mortal ever sinned like those who love to cruel be, Who seem to sadly want for kindness and humanity. Who sneer at mercy and no quarter give, With beings rational are totally unfit to live. Wise are those children who their faithful mothers' pleadings heed, Who on their good advice and kindly words would daily feed. Sometimes we can be taught by those we think not over bright, And goodness often find in those who wander from the right. With those who walk uprightly rogues ne'er feel at home, No more than atheists should they with Christians roam. Who thinketh evil thoughts doth not with wisdom walk. Nor with the noble and the good desire to talk. Whatever elevates must prove ennobling to the mind, And 'round the heart, life's virtues still more closely bind. Lo, education never will the place of talent take. Nor fools — if nat'ral born— the haunts of folly e'er forsake. Mere weather-vanes strong minds can ne'er in life becgme. Or old inebriates forget the name of rum. Who sneers at worth, and frowns on wise reproof. From justice' company must stand aloof. The selfish heart regardeth not the good of others, Or faith ne'er beams within the hearts of Christian brothers. Than beastly thoughts, oh, what are more akin to infamy? Or what will quicker link the soul to foul iniquity? Who weds a maid, whose mind is like a weather-vane. May know some day what 'tis to feel desertion's pain. To a fond mother's heart, how sweet's a cunning child, Whose tender heart by sin, has never been defiled ! If not within the bible, oh, where shall we find The truths which cleanse the heart and elevate the mind ? A necklace wove with kindly deeds is more to be desired Than precious jewels that have been by kings and queens admired. In trying hours, if we e'en glimpses catch of hope's bright rays, How'thankful we should be,as they bespeak more prosperous days. Mankind in general, ne'er to greatness' lofty heights e'er rise. Still, still, howsweet it seems to knowthat all maygoodnessprize. Quarrelsome dispositions love to wrangle and to jaw, A s they ne'er seem so much at home, as when with peace they war. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 97 He who maligns his benefactor's name, Is surely dead to honor and to shame. Better to suffer much, however great our need, If our sole object be some kindly heart to bleed. Who speaketh to the point, in arguing is rarely slow, And in debate first prizes win, as wisdom's sages know. Who can oppress more cruelly than mammon's slaves, Or in the sight of justice fill less honored graves? The greedy slaves of self, for others seldom care How they may live or die, or what may be their fare. A proud and selfish man but rarely thinks of others; Living as tho' he'd never heard the name of "Brothers." How rarely men persuade when in a passion they correct, Tho' they by learning, fame or wealth be honorably decked ! How hard it seems to live an accusation down. Or to ward off suspicion's tantalizing frown ! When we the paths of rectitude forsake, How folly doth its sides with laughter shake ! His word the conscientious man doth highly prize, As he abhors deceit and brazen, bare-faced lies. Oh, be considerate, and with sweet kindness crown The brows of those who to old age are bowing down. But narrow minds are known to cater to the few,^ And foolish ones to run a handsome fortune through. "The light and frivolous in lit'rature," some say, "More oft than solid worth receives the greater pay." For others, selfish hearts begrudgingly give way, As with self-sacrifice they're rarely known to stray. Whate'er is bad, you will condemn, if you for justice stand, If you would labor for the welfare of your native land. Wisdom he seeks, who strives to do the best he can. To nobly act his part, and be a gentleman. Better among the lowly dwell, than to grow rich thro' fraud. And have your memory hissed when youare lying 'neath the sod. Wise he has grown to be, who's learned to think. Who shuns dark superstition's dangerous brink. When death draws nigh, how calm the Christian seems, How then his soul with thoughts of glory teems ! Commune with God, if you would find refreshing peace, If you would bid the chafing of your doubts to cease. Lovers of peace their neighbors' rights respect, . Tho' they in broadcloth or in rags be decked. O Animosity ! who can before thy venom stand?— Who doth not wish to see thee shipwrecked on some barren strand? Naught doth he gain w^ho envieth the rich, Nor those who stone a drunkard in a ditch. 98 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. The name of mother never cease to venerate, Long's you revere whate'er is noble, good and great. With saucy children, oh, be stern, as well as kind. Or you may find it no child's play to make them mind. Resolve to never wed till from bad habits 3^ou are free, Or you may soon become a slave to sin and misery. Over exciting rumors ne'er your senses lose, If you would not bow down to folly and the blues. When all our aims are worthy, just and pure, Our chances for success are much more sure. This solemn fact, oh, never cease to bear in mind. No friend like a good mother we shall ever find. The kindly heart has no desire to frown On those who thro' misfortune have come down. When sorrow grieves the heart, and racks the soul. Oh, then lose not thy faith nor self-control ! Friends ne'er betray, for they'd be enemies, As calm reflection but too plainly sees. Spendthrifts are never from hot-water wholly free. They call so oft on trouble and adversity. Like home's, what influence for good or bad So charms the blushing lass, or hardy lad? . So long as wisdom's precepts men obey. To gaming tables they will never stray. Who would with mercy, love and justice live Must kindly act and know how to forgive. If knowingly we sin, then we should bide the consequence. So long as we respect the judgment of good common sense. Who hath his heart to love and kindness bound, Most worthy friends, indeed, at last has found. O, how the lives of worthy men and women fire The breasts of those who do in honor's courts, to rise, aspire! What joy and happiness we lose, when we to doubts give in. When but for them, we'd come to Christ, and bid adieu to sin ! Alas! think as he will, do as he may. The miser never gives his gold away. The slaves of prejudice but one side see. So rarely they with justice can agree. For favors past, oh, let us not ungrateful be. Nor like the miser frown on charity. Courtships too brief may end in wretchedness and woe, As matrimony's martyrs but too plainly know. He must possess a goodly share of justice and of tact. Who struggles hard to be in all his dealings most exact. Cold hearts have little charity for others. And seldom think to call their neighbors, "brothers." COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 99 Never discourage those who long in life to rise, So long as you fair play revere, or justice prize. As eagles skyward soar, so bid your thoughts to heaven ascend, Where pain and sorrow never come, and pleasures never end. Lo, wholly bad he cannot be, who doth his parents love, E'en tho' his thoughts soar not this transient life above. No wise man visits where his company is not desired, If he to gain the golden paths of wisdom hath aspired. When health — when precious health has flown, Ay, when too late, how then we moan! The heart that's never moved by music's strains, how cold ! How callous it must be, how like unfeeling gold ! Who could e'er crave the wealth obtained thro' selfishness, Or fail its owner's character to value less ? How cheering seem the golden rays of hope, When thro' grim trouble's shades our way we grope! Lo, how suspicion acts an underhanded part, When, for no reason, it doth send a poisonous dart! Who daily entertains the noblest thoughts on life, Will never wantonly foment uncalled-for strife. Among the plainest flowers which form a part of womankind. We can quite readily the sweetest dispositions find. Who tread upon the necks of those who want for gold, May some day wake to find themselves out in the cold. A bully rarely insults those above his size, But an inferior berates, attacks, defies. When parents 'fore their young forget to rightly walk. How can we wonder when they're sometimes prone to mock? Those parents wisest seem who do with kindness rule. No matter where, at home, or in the world's great school. Among his fellow-men, whoe'er would hatred widely sow, Possesses a base heart, in which the seeds of discord grow. Correct a child, but never in a fit of rage. If you desire to tread the highways of the sage. The tiniest act of goodness ne'er should be forgot. By him for whom the kindly act was nobly wrought. Good music doth refinement breed, — Soothing the heart that's prone to bleed. Oh, envy not the worldly rich, Nor slur the drunkard in a ditch ! Better abide with peace, and in an attic, dim. Than with contention dwell in mansions grand and prim. Upon the poor the proud look down. And meanly grin when they don't frown. How soon are men forgot who leave no works behind. Who've wrought no telling deeds ennobling to the mind. 100 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. Chastise a child when you are calm and cool, If you would bring him up in wisdom's school. Ah, yes! wish all men well, and no man ill, If you from justice' well would drink your fill ! No worthy follower of Christ, the poor would meanly slight, Or to please senseless pride, e'er wish the lowly out of sight. He who in everything would temperate be, A good old age, indeed, may live to see. A carnal heart, the innocence of youth corrupts, — Luring them into dens of vice, where folly sups. A tender heart, a child will not abuse. Nor when correcting, oft its temper lose. Lo! with your friends and neighbors strive to dwell in peace, And from back-biting and defaming quickly cease. Who has not made mistakes in life ? Who has not erred ? Who has not truth's and justice' censure oft incurred? For merely temporal, who would eternal riches give Who doth with Christ thro' all eternity desire to live? To home who would a steadfast champion daily be, Must shun the paths that lead to base iniquity. Hold fast your faith in God, when troubles meanly frown, Lest to the shades of death despair should drag you down. Parents who 'fore their children good examples set, Are saving them from many an evil deed and net. Be self-possessed upon the battle-fields of life. And calmest act, where'er the conflict seems most rife. How angry passion, home's sweet peace annoys, And, in the end its happiness destroys! Who o'er his temper rarely hath control, With woe and v/retchedness oft damns his soul. Who daily treads the pleasant paths of honesty and truth May justly be esteemed abroad or 'round home's sacred hearth. How often natures rude sensitive spirits shock. In broad-day light, thro' manners coarse and boisterous talk. Ah ! what is home when love and peace have flown, When jealousy its cankering seeds hath sown? Seek ye enduring love? O, then to Christ appeal, And with a contrite heart around His altars kneel. Within the souls of women faith most brightly shines. While gentle piety its tendrils round it twines. Lo, in religion's name, what nonsense they believe, Whose minds are credulous, and easy to deceive! Lo, none so oft's the ignorant are taken in By those who labor for the interests of sin ! In women, haughtiness repulsive seems, Whilst nowhere kindness with such lustre beams. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 101 An evil mind loves to accuse the innocent, On breeding strife and making mischief 'tis so bent. A child has an advantage if he springeth from good stock, So long experience has proved, or wisdom man must mock. Good men and women ne'er unjustly criticise, As they fair play appreciate and dearly prize. Parents who carelessly before their children swear, Are sowing seeds that later'll poisonous blossoms bear. He loves to please who wears a smiling face, On which we can the lines of kindness trace. Ne'er nurse your troubles if you would with sunshine stray. If you with wisdom long to pass the time away. Be fretful and you'Jl know what 'tis to want for peace, Or godless rogues their fellow-beings never fleece. Those whom you can't respect, for friends ne'er deign to choose, Unless your love for justice you desire to lose. Tho' they be humble, mean, or poor, tho' simple or tho' great, Naught would we gain should we our enemies strive to berate. The slaves of fashion bow to vanity and pride, And with the gay and thoughtless love too well to 'bide. Avoid provoking those who can't their tempers rule. Unless it be your wish to play the part of fool. Ay, ay, of human nature daily learn Whate'er you can, and ne'er its teachings spurn. Against the rich, oh, never harbor spite, So long as you desire to stand by what is right. To censure never deign until you've learned the facts. Unless you'd copy after one who sense and wisdom lacks. With rumors have as little as you can to do, If you would not have folly make you blue. During exciting times, strive to be calm and cool, And you'll have no desire to play the part of fool. Long's you love a good name 'tis plain to see You'll shun the haunts of low society. Tempt not the weak but rather hang your head in shame When you desire to bring disgrace upon your name. Be not too easily put out, nor fretfulness e'er court. If you desire to anchor in discretion's tranquil port. Lo, with your neighbors strive to live, ay, peacefully, If you in justice' company desire to be. Look out for accidents when you foolhardy love to be, When you are deaf to prudence' cries to please your vanity. The priceless laws of health, oh, daily woo. Or sense and wisdom cannot 'bide with you. If with the good and wise you would reside, Then far from evil's haunts long to abide. 102 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. The more we love the good, the better we become, And to the luring cries of evil far more dumb. In trade, the greedy nature is so prone to cheat, Men never can too early learn to be discreet. Wherever industry is known to thrive The sons of enterprise are most alive. Mean natures seldom hesitate to sin When they thereby their crafty points may win. What trifling baubles please a simple brain, And satisfy the longings of the vain. As none like Christians can enjoy the Word of God, So none like patriots love their own dear, native sod. How nervous people suffer from imaginary ills. And without reason draw from apprehension's gloom}- tills! He who when danger beams on every side is calm, Is often saved from much unnecessary harm. Beware of people who would praise you to your face, Lest they in secret should your worthy name disgrace. We may be rich in this world's goods, and own heaps of gold dust, And still be wanting in what makes one noble, pure and just. Weak hearts so oft in failing's courts give up. With proud success they're never known to sup. Beware of those who love to sin, Or you may unawares be taken in. None like a sordid heart can taunt A fellow-being who has come to want. When home's relations seem all that we could desire. How then its influence our noblest thoughts inspire ! Who loves too well among his fellow-men to foment strife, Might in the dark for a slight cause his neighbor meanly knife. How foolishly he acts, who envieth the prosperous. And o'er the merest trifles loves to wrangle and to fuss. In life, whoever for perfection strives, must fail, Tho' rough or smooth the sea it be his lot to sail. Who would reflect before he stoops to sin. For truth and right may many a victory win. Over-indulgence shun as you would poison's bowl. If you regard your body and revere your soul. For those we truly love we never cease to care. But take an interest in their wishes and welfare. Success ne'er crowns the brows of those who shirk, But only those who diligently work. He who has won the maiden of his choice. If nature doth approve, may well rejoice. He who would rashly act must dearly pay. And with chagrin, uncalled-for debts defray. COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. 103 You'll hesitate, if wise, before you yield to rage, Before presumption's cause your services engage. The lovers of contention breed unseemly strife, And oft the joy and peace of home unjustly knife. The soul that's cursed with doubts and fears, Must shed its share of bitter tears. Parents who train their children in the ways of God, May honored be when they are lying 'neat'h the sod. Integrity and worth, but ne'er the color of the skin, No matter where or when, should honor's approbation win. Whom goodly fortune deigns to smile upon, The world with pleasure loves to praise and fawn. Children, profanity at home too often learn. And all its sad effects most needlessly discern. How oft life's expectations fail. Before the gaze of fact, how soon they pale ! In danger's thrilling hour, oh, self-possession seek. If you would shun the sad misfortunes of the weak. Honors unjustly earned soon pass away. When they shrink from the searching "light of day. In infidelity, how^ soon men go to seed, When they believe that they're no better than a weed ! Companionship with those we love, how fondly dear! The heart bow'ed down with grief and care, how it doth cheer! While their is hope, grace may reform the basest heart, And bid it from the gloomy haunts of sin depart. A heart with goodness running o'er, charms like the flower That sweetest blooms in ros}^ summer's gayest bower. In sorrow's dismal hours, oh, ever trustful be, Bidding your thoughts to dwell upon eternity. - The jealous heart its rivals underrates. And their dread presence never tolerates. Whoever can his tongue control, can well be proud. As he wdth golden wisdom must have been endowed. Lovers of soothing peace make home a heavenly place, indeed, When for contention they refuse to plant a single seed. For foes of liberty, tho' powerful or weak. Who but a soulless tyrant would a good word speak? Oppressors of the poor on mercy rarely call, And never at the feet of justice deign to fall. Fools can oppress, but angels help the fallen rise, And ne'er like slaves of pride their humble cause despise. Love not deceit but rather honest frankness woo. While you to justice' noble cause long to be true. The frowns of justice are for those who love to sin. Who for the cause of wickedness would prizes win. 104 COUPLETS ON HUMAN NATURE. When things at home go wrong, the heart soon weary grows, As all about, its damning seeds, contention sows. Good-breeding never fails to win respect From those who form a part of culture's sect. Impulsive natures rarely seem considerate, For prudence' counsels they have no desire to take. Purposeless minds like sailless vessels drift, As aimlessly from this to that they shift. Who guideth minds to aspiration's fount by tongue or pen, Must soon become a priceless blessing to his fellow-men. When weak-willed men to brutal passion meanly kneel. How soon the piercing arrows of remorse they feel ! He who believes that death ends all, may well despair When at him misery, pain and death do madly stare. Those parents have not lived in vain Who've learned their young to rightly train. Tho' reason errs — stilJ it is not a dangerous guide. When truth and understanding in its courts abide. Who do more often than the poor upon the poor look down, Or oftener insult, upbraid, or on them meanly frown? Who brings thro' actions mean, disgrace upon his honored name, Should not complain because he feels the fiery darts of shame. Who hath in beauty's or in fascination's wiles been snared. Hath not enough for golden wisdom's faultless precepts cared. O, how mankind are prone to venerate success, Tho' it be won thro' wicked craft, or righteousness ! Do not commence if you would ne'er bad habits learn, But night and day their most enticing offers spurn. Whoever to the fallen lends a helping hand, By kindness, love and right is ever known to stand. Who, when he's cornered, never hesitates to lie, Than truthful is more underhanded and more sly. Who maketh calls to find something to talk about, Might in some better business be engaged, no doubt. The heart is cold when ruled by selfishness and pride, When it doth far from love and righteousness abide. When tempted, think of mother, home and God, Or you may often feel the chastening rod. Who basely would insult the rich or poor, it matters not, Reveals a disposition mean, as history's tomes have taught. 'Tis hard — hard to forgive a heart that would ungrateful be, Toward those who've by it nobly stood in dark adversity. For nobleness we seek in vain to find Within a sordid heart, or shallow mind. Thrice blessed is that child, who can a praying mother claim. If he to Christ his heart hath given, tho' obscure be his name.