BE HONEST AND TRUE.
BE honest and true,
O eyes that are blue!
In all that you say,
In all that you do.
If evil you'd shun,
And good you'd pursue;
If friends you'd have many
And foes you'd have few—
Be honest and true
In all that you say
And all that you do,
O eyes that are blue!
Be honest and true,
O eyes that are gray!
In all that you do
And all that you say.
At home or abroad,
At work or at play,
As you laugh with your friends,
Or run by the way,
Be honest and true,
By night and by day,
In all that you do
And all that you say,
O eyes that are gray!
Be honest and true,
O eyes that are brown!
On sincerity smile;
On falsity frown:
All goodness exalt,
All meanness put down,
As you muse by the fire,
Or roam through the town,
Remember that honor
Is manhood's chief crown,
And wear it as yours,
O eyes that are brown!
Be honest and true,
O eyes of each hue!—
Brown, black, gray, and blue,
In all that you say
And all that you do.
O eyes in which mothers
Look down with delight,
That sparkle with joy
At things good and bright,
Do never a thing
You would hide from their sight!
Stand up for the right
Like a chivalrous knight;
For the conqueror still,
When the battle is through,
Is he who has ever
Been loyal and true.
Make the victory sure,
O eyes of each hue!
—Selected.