"Ay," she replied; "'tis true that men love praise And it is true that He who made the soul Planted therein the love of praise, to be A motive in its life--all true so far? And so far we agree. But motives all Have their appropriate sphere and sway, like men Who bear them in their breasts. The love of praise Fills life with fine amenities. Not all Who live have pleasant tempers, and not all The gift of gracious manners, or the love Of nobler motive, higher meed than praise. The world is full of bears, who smooth their hair, And glove their paws, and put on manly airs, And hold our honey sacred, and our lives Our own, because they hunger for our praise. 'Tis a fine thing for bears--this love of praise-- And those who deal with them; and a good thing For children, and for parents, teachers--all Who have them in their keeping. It may hold A little mind to rectitude, until It grow, and grow ashamed to yield itself To such a petty motive. Children all Like sugar, and it may admit of doubt Whether our praise or sugar sweetens more Their petulant sub-acids; but a man Would choke in swallowing the compliment Which we should pay him, were we but to say 'Go to! Do some great deed, and you shall have Your pay in sugar:--maple, mind you, now, So you shall do it featly.'" "Very good!" I answered, "very good, indeed! if we Engage in talk for sport; but argument On themes like these must have the element Of candor. Highest truth, in certain lights, May be ridiculous, and yet be truth. Women are angels: just a little weak And just a little wicked, it may be, Yet still the sweetest beings in the world; But when one stands with apprehensive gasp At verge of sternutation, or leaps off, Projecting all her being in a sneeze, Or snores with lips wide-parted, or essays The 'double-quick,' we turn our eyes away In sadness, that a creature so divine Can be so shockingly ridiculous; Yet who shall say she's not an angel still? Now you present to me the meanest face Of a most noble truth. I laugh with you Over its sorry semblance; but the truth Is still divine, and claims our reverence. The great King Solomon--and you believe In Solomon--has said that a good name Is more to be desired than much fine gold. If a good name be matter of desire Beyond all wealth--and you will pardon me For holding to the record--it may stand As a grand motive in the life of man, To grand endeavor. I have yet to learn That Solomon addressed his words to bears, Or little children. I am forced to think That you and I, and all who read his words, Are those for whom he wrote."