Ask thy lone soul what laws are plain to thee,—

Thee and no other,—stand or fall by them!

That is the part for thee: regard all else

For what it may be—Time's illusion. This

Be sure of—ignorance that sins, is safe.

No punishment like knowledge! Instance, now!

My father's choicest treasure was a book

Wherein he, day by day and year by year,

Recorded gains of wisdom for my sake

When I should grow to manhood. While a child,