Modesty winneth good report, but scorn cometh close upon servility; Therefore, use meekness with discretion, casting not pearls before swine. For a fool will tread upon thy neck, if he seeth thee lying in the dust; And there be companies and seasons where a resolute bearing is but duty. If a good man discloseth his secret failings unto the view of the profane, What doeth he but harm unto his brother, confirming him in his sin? There is a concealment that is right, and an open-mouthed humility that erreth; There is a candour near akin to folly, and a meekness looking like shame. Masculine sentiments, vigorously holden, well become a man; But a weak mind hath a timorous grasp, and mistaketh it for tenderness of conscience. Many are despised for their folly, who put it to the account of their religion, And because men treat them with contempt, they look to their God for glory; But contempt shall still be their reward, who betray their Master unto ridicule, Reflecting on Him in themselves, meanness and ignorance and cowardice. A Christian hath a royal spirit, and need not be ashamed but unto One: Among just men walketh he softly, but the world should see him as a champion. His humbleness is far unlike the shame that covereth the profligate and weak, When the sober reproof of virtue hath touched their tingling ears; It is born of love and wisdom, and is worthy of all honour, And the sweet persuasion of its smile changeth contempt into reverence. A man of a haughty spirit is daily adding to his enemies: He standeth as the Arab in the desert, and the hands of all men are against him: A man of a base mind daily subtracteth from his friends, For he holdeth himself so cheaply, that others learn to despise him: But where the meekness of self-knowledge veileth the front of self-respect, There look thou for the man, whom none can know but they will honour. Humility is the softening shadow before the stature of Excellence, And lieth lowly on the ground, beloved and lovely as the violet: Humility is the fair-haired maid, that calleth Worth her brother, The gentle silent nurse, that fostereth infant virtues: Humility bringeth no excuse; she is welcome to God and to man: Her countenance is needful unto all, who would prosper in either world: And the mild light of her sweet face is mirrored in the eyes of her companions, And straightway stand they accepted, children of penitence and love. As when the blind man is nigh unto a rose, its sweetness is the herald of its beauty, So when thou savourest Humility, be sure thou art nigh unto merit. A gift rejoiceth the covetous, and praise fatteneth the vain, And the pride of man delighteth in the humble bearing of his fellow; But to the tender benevolence of the unthanked Almoner of good, Humility is queen among the graces, for she giveth Him occasion to bestow. [Illustration: Of Pride] OF PRIDE.