Part 26 (1/2)

TO MYSTICS.

That is the only true secret, which in the presence of all men Lies, and surrounds thee for ay, but which is witnessed by none.

THE KEY.

Wouldst thou know thyself, observe the actions of others.

Wouldst thou other men know, look thou within thine own heart.

THE OBSERVER.

Stern as my conscience, thou seest the points wherein I'm deficient; Therefore I've always loved thee, as my own conscience I've loved.

WISDOM AND PRUDENCE.

Wouldst thou, my friend, mount up to the highest summit of wisdom, Be not deterred by the fear, prudence thy course may deride That shortsighted one sees but the bank that from thee is flying, Not the one which ere long thou wilt attain with bold flight.

THE AGREEMENT.

Both of us seek for truth--in the world without thou dost seek it, I in the bosom within; both of us therefore succeed.

If the eye be healthy, it sees from without the Creator; And if the heart, then within doubtless it mirrors the world.

POLITICAL PRECEPT.

All that thou doest is right; but, friend, don't carry this precept On too far,--be content, all that is right to effect.

It is enough to true zeal, if what is existing be perfect; False zeal always would find finished perfection at once.

MAJESTAS POPULI.

Majesty of the nature of man! In crowds shall I seek thee?

'Tis with only a few that thou hast made thine abode.

Only a few ever count; the rest are but blanks of no value, And the prizes are hid 'neath the vain stir that they make.

THE DIFFICULT UNION.

Why are taste and genius so seldom met with united?

Taste of strength is afraid,--genius despises the rein.

TO A WORLD-REFORMER.

”I Have sacrificed all,” thou sayest, ”that man I might succor; Vain the attempt; my reward was persecution and hate.”

Shall I tell thee, my friend, how I to humor him manage?

Trust the proverb! I ne'er have been deceived by it yet.