"And then rise up and sin no more And from thy dark ways flee Let Virtue o'er thy appetites Have full and perfect mastery And the kindly ones that hover o'er Will ever strengthen thee. "And though thou art helpless and forlorn Let not thy heart's peace go And though the riches of this world are gone And thy lot is care and woe Faint not, but journey ever on True wealth is not below. "Oh, falter not but still look up Let Patience be thy guide Bless the rod and take the cup And trustfully abide Let not temptation vanquish thee And the Father will provide." Louisa composed these lines, which I think are beautiful. She is a beautiful girl and writes as good poetry as Lucretia Davidson, about whom so much has been written. I think she will write _something great one of these days_. As for me I am perfect in nothing. I have no genius. I know a little of music, a little of French, German and Drawing, but none of them well. I have a foolish wish to be something _great_ and I shall probably spend my life in a kitchen and die in the poor-house. I want to be Jenny Lind or Mrs. Seguin and I can't and so I cry. Here is another of Louisa's pieces to mother. "God comfort thee dear mother, For sorrow sad and deep Is lying heavy on thy heart And this hath made thee weep. "There is a Father o'er us, mother, Who orders for the best And peace shall come ere long, mother, And dwell within thy breast. "Then let us journey onward, mother, And trustfully abide, The coming forth of good or ill Whatever may betide." Helpfulness was encouraged in the Alcott household; habits of industry were carefully fostered. The Alcott children worked when they worked, played when they played, but wasted hours were unknown. They were taught to make the most of every day. When Anna was seventeen she wrote in her diary: August, 1848. Thursday 17th. Lizzy and I are making plans for spending our days usefully. Here is mine. Plan. Rise at half past 4, bathe, dress and walk till half past 5. Dress and bathe the children. Breakfast at 7. Work till 9. School till 12. Work till 2. Sew till 4. Practice till 5. Hear Lizzy recite German and French till 6. Supper. This will keep me pretty busy, but I find I accomplish so much more when I have a plan and certain times for certain things. I never can do things without order. I like to have something planned for every moment of the day, so that when I get up in the morning I may know what to do. I wish I could be learned.