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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 thy gaze Turns in 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