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IF thou wouldst live unruffled by care,
Let not the past torment thee e’er;
If any loss thou hast to rue,
Act as though thou wert born anew;
Inquire the meaning of each day,
What each day means itself will say;
In thine own actions take thy pleasure,
What others do, thou’lt duly treasure;
Ne’er let thy breast with hate be supplied,
And to God the future confide.

—–

IF wealth is gone–then something is gone!

Quick, make up thy mind,

And fresh wealth find.
If honour is gone–then much is gone!

Seek glory to find,

And people then will alter their mind.
If courage is gone–then all is gone!
‘Twere better that thou hadst never been born.

—–

HE who with life makes sport,

Can prosper never;
Who rules himself in nought,

Is a slave ever.

MAY each honest effort be

Crown’d with lasting constancy.

—–

EACH road to the proper end
Runs straight on, without a bend.

1825.