The highest culture is to speak no ill; The best reformer is the man whose eyes Are quick to see all beauty and all worth; And by his own discreet, well-ordered life, Alone reproves the erring. When thy gaze Turns it on thine own soul, be most severe. But when it falls upon a fellow-man Let kindliness control it; and refrain From that belittling censure that springs forth From common lips like weeds from marshy soil. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EARTH'S IMMORTALITIES: FAME by ROBERT BROWNING LOW TIDE ON GRAND-PRE by BLISS CARMAN FARRAGUT by WILLIAM TUCKEY MEREDITH LONGFELLOW by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY THE COWBOY'S DANCE SONG by JAMES BARTON ADAMS |