Moderation

Moderation

by unknown

Be moderate in all things, Excessive in none, In great things or small things The king on his throne, The soldier, the peasant, May learn in a word To moderate the sceptre, The spade, and the sword.

Be moderate in eating, Nor sit at the board, Like miser bent over His long gathered hoard. Be moderate in drinking, Nor dram deep the bowl, For death's at the bottom, In wait for your soul.

Be moderate in thinking, The bow too long bent Has never the shaft To the mark with force sent. Be moderate in friendhsip To all but a few, And those to your bosom Clasp trusting and true. If Poverty stands at  The door. You may test By the touch of his cold hand Your bravest and best.

Be moderate in love While you are ardent and young; But if your heart's flame Finds a vent through the tongue, Let it be like an unsheathed Patriot's sword, Ever ready to act In accord with your word.

Be moderate in censure, Nor deem it unwise To start on the faults Of another in your eyes; For if through a glass His shortcomings you view, He may look upon yours With a microscope too.

Be moderate in getting, For over-much wealth Insures not contentment, Nor pleasure, nor health; But, blest with sufficient, Give some to the poor -- Enough, if you just Keep the wolf from the door. - - - o - - -

Source: TOW 1/7/1871