Poems (Edwards)/Be Pleasant
BE PLEASANT.
Be pleasant in thy household, Be pleasant at thy hearth,A home where dwells affection Is the brightest place on earth;Be pleasant when thou feelest The world's ungentle touch,A smile will cost thee nothing, A frown may cost thee much.
Be pleasant to thy mother, Her heart is sad and sore,She has enough of sorrow, Why should'st thou give her more?She has lived through years of sadness, And on her withered browIs the foot-print of affliction, Be pleasant to her now.
Be pleasant to thy father, He is old, and weak, and pale,His life is now as tedious "As a twice repeated tale;"The pleasantness of childhood Would make his bosom thrillWith a joy too deep for language; Be pleasant to him still.
Be pleasant to thy brother, Though erring he may be,One word of admonition, One pleasant smile from thee,May win him back to virtue, And happiness and joy;Be pleasant, if thou would'st not His happiness destroy.
Be pleasant to thy sister, Her spirit may not twineAround the many objects Where firmly twineth thine; Her heart may differ from thee, She loves thee fondly yet,Be pleasant, O! be pleasant, If thou would'st not feel regret.
Be pleasant 'mid thy trials, Though dark and strong they be,Thy Saviour never murmured, He suffered more than thee;Be pleasant in thy household, Be pleasant at thy hearth,A home where dwells affection Is a Heaven itself on earth.