In common things the law of sacrifice takes the form of positive
duty.

In common things the law of sacrifice takes the form of positive
duty.

And I read the moral--A brave endeavour
To do thy duty, whate'er its worth,
Is better than read more

And I read the moral--A brave endeavour
To do thy duty, whate'er its worth,
Is better than life with love forever,
And love is the sweetest thing on earth.

Who art a light to guide, a rod
To check the erring, and reprove.

Who art a light to guide, a rod
To check the erring, and reprove.

Do your duty and a little more and the future will take care of itself.

Do your duty and a little more and the future will take care of itself.

I slept and dreamed that life was Beauty;
I woke, and found that life was Duty:--
Was read more

I slept and dreamed that life was Beauty;
I woke, and found that life was Duty:--
Was thy dream then a shadowy lie?

He who is false to present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and
will find the flaw when read more

He who is false to present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and
will find the flaw when he may have forgotten its cause.

The primal duties shine aloft, like stars;
The charities that soothe, and heal, and bless
Are scattered read more

The primal duties shine aloft, like stars;
The charities that soothe, and heal, and bless
Are scattered at the feet of Man, like flowers.

Alas! when duty grows thy law, enjoyment fades away.

Alas! when duty grows thy law, enjoyment fades away.

Straight is the line of duty;
Curved is the line of beauty;
Follow the straight line, thou read more

Straight is the line of duty;
Curved is the line of beauty;
Follow the straight line, thou shalt see
The curved line ever follow thee.