GOD, SOUL, AND WORLD by Goethe

 GOD, SOUL, AND WORLD.

RHYMED DISTICHS.

[The Distichs, of which these are given as a specimen, are about forty in number.]

How? when? and where?—No answer comes from high;
Thou waitest for the Because, and yet thou askest not Why?

If the whole is ever to gladden thee,
That whole in the smallest thing thou must see.

Water its living strength first shows,
When obstacles its course oppose.

Transparent appears the radiant air,
Though steel and stone in its breast it may bear;
At length they'll meet with fiery power,
And metal and stones on the earth will shower.

Whate'er a living flame may surround,
No longer is shapeless, or earthly bound.
'Tis now invisible, flies from earth,
And hastens on high to the place of its birth.

This truth may be by all believed:
Whom God deceives, is well deceived.

Who trusts in God,
Fears not His rod.

The Little Gentleman

The Little Gentleman

by Anonymous

Take your meals, my little man,
Always like a gentleman;
Wash your face and hands with care,
Change your shoes, and brush your hair;
Then so fresh, and clean, and neat,
Come and take your proper seat:
Do not loiter and be late,
Making other people wait;
Do not rudely point or touch:
Do not eat and drink too much:
Finish what you have, before
You even ask, or send for more:
Never crumble or destroy
Food that others might enjoy;
They who idly crumbs will waste
Often want a loaf to taste!
Never spill your milk or tea,
Never rude or noisy be;
Never choose the daintiest food,
Be content with what is good:
Seek in all things that you can
To be a little gentleman.