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.

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.

When I'm not thank'd at all, I'm thank'd enough:
I've done my duty, and I've done no more.

When I'm not thank'd at all, I'm thank'd enough:
I've done my duty, and I've done no more.

And, may I say to thee, this pride of hers,
Upon advice, hath drawn my love from her;
read more

And, may I say to thee, this pride of hers,
Upon advice, hath drawn my love from her;
And, where I thought the remnant of mine age
Should have been cherished by her childlike duty,
I now am full resolved to take a wife
And turn her out to who will take her in.

So nigh is grandeur to our dust,
So near is God to man.
When Duty whispers low, read more

So nigh is grandeur to our dust,
So near is God to man.
When Duty whispers low, Thou must,
The youth replies, I can.

Simply duty hath no place for fear.

Simply duty hath no place for fear.

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

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

Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail.

Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail.

And rank for her meant duty, various,
Yet equal in its worth, done worthily.
Command was service; read more

And rank for her meant duty, various,
Yet equal in its worth, done worthily.
Command was service; humblest service done
By willing and discerning souls was glory.