Keep sweet.

Even the direst catastrophes may be softened by our attitude to them.

Charles II said to those who had gathered about his deathbed: "You'll

pardon any little lapses, gentlemen. I've never done this thing before."

  Don't be foolish and get sour when things don't just come your way--

  Don't you be a pampered baby and declare, "Now I won't play!"

      Just go grinning on and bear it;

      Have you heartache? Millions share it,

      If you earn a crown, you'll wear it--

                  Keep sweet.

  Don't go handing out your troubles to your busy fellow-men

  If you whine around they'll try to keep from meeting you again;

      Don't declare the world's "agin" you,

      Don't let pessimism win you,

      Prove there's lots of good stuff in you--

                  Keep sweet.

  If your dearest hopes seem blighted and despair looms into view,

  Set your jaw and whisper grimly, "Though they're false, yet I'll be true."

      Never let your heart grow bitter;

      With your lips to Hope's transmitter,

      Hear Love's songbirds bravely twitter,

                  "Keep sweet."

  Bless your heart, this world's a good one, and will always help a man;

  Hate, misanthropy, and malice have no place in Nature's plan.

      Help your brother there who's sighing.

      Keep his flag of courage flying;

      Help him try- 'twill keep you trying

                  Keep sweet.

  

by Strickland W. Gillilan.