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1850–1919

TRUE CULTURE.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The highest culture is to speak no ill; The best reformer is the man whose eyes Are quick to see all beauty and all worth; And by his own discreet, well-ordered life,

Alone reproves the erring. When they gaze Turns it on thine own soul, be most severe. But when it falls upon a fellow-man

Let kindliness control it; and refrain From that belittling censure that springs forth From common lips like weeds from marshy soil.

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TRUE CULTURE. · Ella Wheeler Wilcox · Poetry Cove