Life and Literature Part 26

"Aye gang (always go) wi' them that's better than yerself."

--_Old Scotch Saying._

If this was done generally, there would be a levelling up, instead of a levelling down.

337

Pleasant company shortens the miles.

338

COMPENSATION.

Mothers of many, with envious eyes, Gaze as I drive through the evening cool, Swift as I pa.s.s them, we mingle our sighs, For my arms are empty--and theirs over-full.

"See her," they say, "with her laces and pearls!

All for the rich! 'Tis the world's common rule.

We have but rags for our boys and our girls; Empty our pockets--her coffers are full."

Mothers! To yours, tender voices reply, Little ones' hands at your skirts softly pull; Widowed and lonely and childless am I, Empty my heart--though my coffers are full.

--_Gus Gordon._

339

POOR AND RICH.

Art thou poor, yet hast thou golden slumbers?

O sweet content!

Art thou rich, yet is thy mind perplexed?

O punishment!

340

Every one must see daily instances of people who complain, from a mere habit of complaining.

--_Graves._

341

A compliment is usually accompanied with a bow, as if to beg pardon for paying it.

--_J. C. Hare._

342

Illuminate me with a ray of your intelligence!

343

Deference is the most complicate, the most indirect, and the most elegant of all compliments.

344

_Legitimate Sport_--Those who fish for compliments deserve to get a bite.

345

To attempt to advise conceited people is like whistling against the wind.

--_Hood._

346

Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with.

347

I've never any pity for conceited people, because I think they carry their comfort about with them.

348

Conceit may puff a man up, but never prop him up.

--_Ruskin._

349

Many persons are obliged to their imagination for more than three-fourths of their importance.

350

Discuss your plans with many, decide on them with few, or by yourself.