mingled with the prayer for hope: we hear, and lo!
it is the cry and the prayer of a man like ourselves.

From the words of the greatest man of his age, let me now gather two rich
blossoms of utterance, presenting an embodiment of religious duty and
aspiration, after a very practical fashion. I refer to two short lyrics,
little noted, although full of wisdom and truth. They must be accepted as
the conclusions of as large a knowledge of life in diversified mode as
ever fell to the lot of man.


GOOD COUNSEL OF CHAUCER.

Fly from the press, and dwell with soothfastness; _truthfulness._
Suffice[29] unto thy good, though it be small;
For hoard hath hate, and climbing tickleness;[30]
Praise hath envy, and weal is blent over all.[31]
Savour[32] no more than thee behové shall.
Rede well thyself that other folk shall rede; _counsel._
And truth thee shall deliver--it is no drede. _there is no doubt._

Paine thee not each crooked to redress, _every crooked thing._
In trust of her that turneth as a ball: Fortune.
Great rest standeth in little busi-ness.
Beware also to spurn against a nail; _nail--to kick against
Strive not as doth a crocké with a wall. [the pricks._
Demé thyself that demest others' deed; _judge._
And truth thee shall deliver--it is no drede.

That thee is sent receive in buxomness: _submission_