And wherefore? both are actors, saving when in solitude,
There they live their truest life, and all things show sincere:
But the fool by pomposity of speech striveth to be counted wise,
And the wise, for holiday and pleasance, playeth with the fool's best bauble.
The solemn seemer, as a rule, will be found more ignorant and shallow
Than those who laugh both loud and long, content to hide their knowledge.
For thee; seek thou Solitude, but neither in excess, nor morosely;
Seek her for her precious things, and not of thine own pride.
For there, separate from a crowd, the still small voice will talk with thee,
Truth's whisper, heard and echoed by responding conscience;