RULES OF THE ROAD.
45
Be silent and safe—silence never betrays you;
Be true to your word and your work and your friend;
Put least trust in him who is foremost to praise you,
Nor judge of a road till it draw to the end.
Stand erect in the vale, nor exult on the mountain;
Take gifts with a sigh—most men give to be paid;
"I had" is a heartache, "I have" is a fountain,—
You're worth what you saved, not the million you made.
Trust toil not intent, or your plans will miscarry;
Your wife keep a sweetheart, instead of a tease;
Rule children by reason, not rod; and, mind, marry
Your girl when you can—and your boy when you please.
