222

THE TWO ROADS

Where two ways meet, the children stand,
A fair, broad road on either hand;
One leads to Right, and one to Wrong;
So runs the song.

Which will you choose, each lass and lad?
The right or left, the good or bad?
One leads to Right, and one to Wrong;
So runs the song.

ANONYMOUS

223

I CAN'T

Pay goodly heed, all ye that read,
And beware of saying, "I can't";
'Tis a cowardly word, and apt to lead
To idleness, folly, and want.

Whenever you feel the least despair,
And you feel that you must fail,
Con over this strain, "I'll try it again,"
And at last you will prevail.

ANONYMOUS

224

FIVE THINGS OBSERVE

If you your lips

Would keep from slips,

Five things observe with care:

Of whom you speak,

To whom you speak,

And how, and when, and where.

226

DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY STARS?

Do you know how many stars

There are shining in the sky?
Do you know how many clouds
Every day go floating by?
God in Heaven has counted all,
He would miss one should it fall.

Do you know how many children
Go to little beds at night,
And without a care or sorrow,

Wake up in the morning light?
God in Heaven each name can tell,

Knows you, too, and knows you well.

227

ANONYMOUS

SPEAK THE TRUTH

Speak the truth!

Speak it boldly, never fear;

Speak it so that all may hear;
In the end it shall appear

Truth is best in age and youth;
Speak the truth!

ANONYMOUS

228

DO RIGHT

Do what conscience says is right;
Do what reason says is best;
Do with all your mind and might;
Do your duty and be blest.

ANONYMOUS

229

TRUST

Build a little fence of trust

Around to-day;

Fill the space with loving work,
And therein stay;

Look not through the sheltering bars
Upon to-morrow;

God will help thee bear what comes

Of joy or sorrow.

MARY FRANCES BUTTS

230

THE BIRD'S SONG

Listen, my boy, I've a word for you;
And this is the word: Be true! be true!
At work or at play, in darkness or light,
Be true, be true, and stand for the right.

List, little girl, I've a word for you;
'Tis the very same: Be true! be true!
For truth is the sun and falsehood the night;

Be true, little maid, and stand for the right.

ANONYMOUS

231

A GOOD NAME

Faithful boys make faithful men;
In all things do your best, and then
You'll have a name, when you are old,
Worth more to you than shining gold.

ANONYMOUS

232

FOUR W'S

Whoever you are, be noble;
Whatever you do, do well;

Whenever you speak, speak kindly;

Give joy wherever you dwell.

ANONYMOUS