“ADVICE.”

I must do as you do? Your way I own

Is a very good way. And still,

There are sometimes two straight roads to a town,

One over, one under the hill.

You are treading the safe and the well-worn way,

That the prudent choose each time;

And you think me reckless and rash to-day,

Because I prefer to climb.

Your path is the right one, and so is mine.

We are not like peas in a pod,

Compelled to lie in a certain line,

Or else be scattered abroad.

‘ Twere a dull old world, methinks, my friend,

If we all went just one way;

Yet our paths will meet no doubt at the end,

Though they lead apart to-day.

You like the shade, and I like the sun;

You like an even pace,

I like to mix with the crowd and run,

And then rest after the race.

I like danger, and storm and strife,

You like a peaceful time;

I like the passion and surge of life,

You like its gentle rhyme.

You like buttercups, dewy sweet,

And crocuses, framed in snow;

I like roses, born of the heat,

And the red carnation's glow.

I must live my life, not yours, my friend,

For so it was written down;

We must follow our given paths to the end,

But I trust we shall meet — in town.