Page:Fugitive Poetry 1600-1878.djvu/134

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Reserve.
(From the French.)
Something should remain unseen, All the will should not appear;For light thoughts will intervene, And light words to danger veer.
Sometimes on the verge of speech, Better not be over-bold,But little pausing caution teach, What to say and what withhold.
Idle talk is ever free, And with riches soon runs o'er;Reason should the treasurer be, And still something keep in store.
Bide Your Time.
Bide your time!—the morn is breaking, Bright with freedom's blessed ray;Millions, from their trance awaking, Soon shall stand in stern array.
Man shall fetter man no longer, Liberty shall march sublime;Every moment makes you stronger— Firm, unshrinking, bide your time.
Bide your time!—one false step taken Perils all you yet have done;Undismayed—erect—unshaken— Watch and wait, and all is won.
'Tis not by one rash endeavour Men or States to greatness climb;Would you win your rights for ever, Calm and thoughtful, bide your time!
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