FABLE XXII.
THE OLD MAN'S ADVICE.
"Please teach me how a fortune's made,"
A young man to his father said.
The old man answer'd:—"There's a way
Which is glorious, I may say:
Though 'tis the way least understood;—
It is to serve the common good;
To give one's life, one's toil, one's care
In useful service of the state."
"Oh that's a labor far too great:
I want some way less hard by far."
"Well then, there's intrigue, which is sure."
"But that vile way I can't endure.
From both hard labor and from vice
I would be free'd."
"Then be a fool! Take my advice;—
For many such I've seen succeed."
FABLE XXIII.
THE ROPE-DANCER.
A young man on the tight-rope danc'd
With balance-pole in hand;
Sway'd to and fro, fell back, advanc'd,
Or bolt up straight would stand.
A crowd of persons came to see,
His feats of bold agility.
Now up he goes, then down again,
All free and easy, light and spry;
Rebounding from the tight rope's strain,
In cadence with it springing high.
