The common problem, yours, mine, everyone's,
Is not to fancy what were fair in life,
Provided it could be—but finding first
What may be, then find how to make it fair
Up to our means. —Browning.
AT NIGHTFALL
I need so much the quiet of your love
After the day's loud strife;
I need your calm—all other things above
After the stress of life.
I crave the haven that in your dear heart lies,
After all toil is done;
I need the star-shine of your heavenly eyes,
After the day's great sun.
—Charles Harrison Towne.
AH, BE NOT FALSE
Ah, be not false, sweet Splendor!
Be true, be good;
Be wise as thou art tender;
Be all that Beauty should.
Not lightly be thy citadel subdued;
Not ignobly, not untimely.
Take praise in solemn mood;
Take love sublimely.
—Richard Watson Gilder.
Let us love so well
Our work shall be sweeter for our love,
And still our love be sweeter for our work.
—Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
MY CREED
I hold that Christian grace abounds
Where charity is seen; that when
We climb to heaven 'tis on the rounds
Of love to men.