A SHORT SERMON.
CHILDREN who read my lay,
Thus much I have to say:
Each day, and every day,
Do what is right!
Right things; in great and small;
Then, though the sky should fall,
Sun, moon, and stars, and all,
You shall have light!
This further I would say: -
Be you tempted as you may,
Each day, and every day,
Speak what is true!
True things in great and small;
Then, though the sky should fall,
Sun, moon, and stars, and all,
Heaven would show through.
Figs, as you see and know,
Do not of thistles grow;
And though the blossoms blow
White on the tree,
Grapes never, never yet
On the limbs of thorns were set;
So, if you a good would get,
Good you must be!
Life's journey, through and through,
Speaking what is just and true;
Doing what is right to do
Unto one and all,
When you work and when you play,
Each day, and every day;
Then peace shall gild your way,
Though the sky should fall.
—Alice Cary.