Life and Literature Part 35

--_Addison._

469

Discontent is a man's, and a woman's, worst enemy.

470

DISCONTENT.

Thinkest thou the man whose mansions hold The worldling's pomp, and miser's gold, Obtains a richer prize Than he, who, in his cot at rest, Finds heavenly peace a willing guest, And bears the promise in his breast Of treasures in the skies?

--_Mrs. Sigourney._

471

Be discreet in all things, and so render it unnecessary to be mysterious about anything.

--_Wellington._

472

Thy friend has a friend, and thy friend's friend has a friend;--be discreet.

473

Woe unto him that increaseth that which is not his!

--_Habakkuk 2, 6v._

474

No man's disposition will alter, say what we may.

475

Shut not thy purse-strings always against distress.

--_Charles Lamb._

476

Thou, who feelest not for the distress of others, Meritest not to be called by the name of man.

477

It is better occasionally to be deceived in people than for one to be always distrustful.

478

G.o.d and the doctor we alike adore In times of danger, only,--not before: The danger past, both are alike requited; G.o.d, is alas!--forgotten, and the doctor--slighted.

--_Anon._

479

Did you never observe that dogs have not the power of comparing? A dog will take a small bit of meat as readily, when both are before him.

--_Dr. Sam'l Johnson._

480

THE FAITHFUL DOG.

When wise Ulysses, from his native coast Long kept by wars, and long by tempests tost, Arrived at last, poor, old, disguised, alone, To all his friends, and ev'n his queen, unknown: Chang'd as he was with age, and toils, and cares, Furrow'd his rev'rend face, and white his hairs, In his own palace forc'd to ask his bread, Scorn'd by those slaves his former bounty fed, Forgot of all his own domestic crew; The faithful _dog_ alone his master knew!

Unfed, unhous'd, neglected, on the clay Like an old servant, now cas.h.i.+er'd he lay; And, tho' e'en then expiring on the plain Touch'd with resentment of ungrateful man, And longing to behold his ancient lord again.

Him, when he saw--he rose, and crawl'd to meet, 'Twas all he could, and fawn'd, and kiss'd his feet, Seized with dumb joy: then, falling by his side, Own'd his returning lord, look'd up, and died.

--_Pope._

481

Food remains for three days in the stomach of the dog, because G.o.d knew that his food would be scanty.

--_From the Talmud._

482

If you are in doubt whether to write a letter or not--don't! The advice applies to doubts in life besides that of letter writing.

--_Zoroaster._

483

Our doubts are traitors, And make us love the good we oft might win, By fearing to attempt.