Poems (Angier)/Little Follies
LITTLE FOLLIES.
Little follies—wisdom pleadeth— Shun them, for they leave a sting;Serpent-like, they charm to harm thee, Heed not, though the siren sing.
Guard thou well the heart's fair garden, Little foxes spoil the vines;Proudest craft the ocean beareth, Smallest insect undermines.
Stately tree, with spreading branches, That for years defied the storm;Conquered, hath at last surrendered To the sceptre of a worm.
Castle high to heaven towering, Founded firmly on a rock;Tiny spark may lay in ashes, Blackened heaps its glory mock.
Some there are revered in story, Honored names of patriot, sage;Would that stain of little follies Sullied not their memory's page.
Friendly warning, sailor heeding, Trims the sail, and plies the oar;Skilful pilot, quicksand clearing, Safely gains his bark the shore.
Thus in others' little follies Beacon-lights the wise discern;And by timely watch and caution, They to good the evil turn.
"What some call but little follies, Foibles, peccadillos slight;Grievous wrongs in Virtue's eyes are, Heinous crimes in Heaven's sight.
Little follies—preacher—hearer, Merchant, statesman, artisan;Spurn their fetters, be true freemen, In self-conquest lead the van.
Thus we'll speed the good time coming, Eden bliss shall mortals see;When souls like a polished mirror, Image perfect Purity.