Life's Mirror

There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave,
   There are souls that are pure and true;
Then give to the world the best you have,
   And the best will come back to you.

Give love, and love to your life will flow,
   A strength in your utmost need;
Have faith, and a score of hearts will show
   Their faith in your word and deed.

Give truth, and your gift will be paid in kind,
   And honor will honor meet,
And a smile that is sweet will surely find
   A smile that is just as sweet.

Give sorrow and pity to those who mourn;
   You will gather in flowers again
The scattered seeds of your thought outborne,
   Though the sowing seemed but vain.

For life is the mirror of king and slave--
   'Tis just what we are and do;
Then give to the world the best you have,
   And the best will come back to you.

                 ~ Madeline Bridges
                    (Mary Ainge DeVere)