Page:Fugitive Poetry 1600-1878.djvu/134
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116
Reserve.
(From the French.)
Something should remain unseen,
All the will should not appear;
For light thoughts will intervene,
And light words to danger veer.
All the will should not appear;
For light thoughts will intervene,
And light words to danger veer.
Sometimes on the verge of speech,
Better not be over-bold,
But little pausing caution teach,
What to say and what withhold.
Better not be over-bold,
But little pausing caution teach,
What to say and what withhold.
Idle talk is ever free,
And with riches soon runs o'er;
Reason should the treasurer be,
And still something keep in store.
And with riches soon runs o'er;
Reason should the treasurer be,
And still something keep in store.
Bide Your Time.
Bide your time!—the morn is breaking,
Bright with freedom's blessed ray;
Millions, from their trance awaking,
Soon shall stand in stern array.
Bright with freedom's blessed ray;
Millions, from their trance awaking,
Soon shall stand in stern array.
Man shall fetter man no longer,
Liberty shall march sublime;
Every moment makes you stronger—
Firm, unshrinking, bide your time.
Liberty shall march sublime;
Every moment makes you stronger—
Firm, unshrinking, bide your time.
Bide your time!—one false step taken
Perils all you yet have done;
Undismayed—erect—unshaken—
Watch and wait, and all is won.
Perils all you yet have done;
Undismayed—erect—unshaken—
Watch and wait, and all is won.
'Tis not by one rash endeavour
Men or States to greatness climb;
Would you win your rights for ever,
Calm and thoughtful, bide your time!
Men or States to greatness climb;
Would you win your rights for ever,
Calm and thoughtful, bide your time!