Would you have your name to echo,
      Generations through?
I would make it worth repeating

  If I were you.
 

Do you wish to win disciples?
      Reason and then no.
I would follow my own preaching

  If I were you.

 
Do you blow a public trumpet?
      Let its tone be true.
I would never pitch it fairly

  If I were you.
 

Would you fill a post of honor?
      Earn it ere you sue.
I would merit ere I begged it;,

  If I were you.
 

Are you set to serve your country?
      To your trust be true.
I'd not steal my master's silver

  If I were you,.

 
Are you fickle^___prone to changing
      Old friends for the new?
I would keep the old and tried ones

  If I were you.
 

Have you won a loving woman?
      To your love be true.
I'd nod with a heart to break it.

  If I were you.
 

Would you leave a written record
      Clear as heaven's blue?
I would keep each page unspotted

  If I were you
 

Do you preach a day when judgement
      Gives each man his due
I would be what I pretended

If I were you

^__Ellen P. Allerton.