DISTRUST.

Distrust that man who tells you to distrust: He takes the measure of his own small soul, And thinks the world no larger. He who prates Of human nature’s baseness and deceit Looks in the mirror of his heart, and sees His kind therein reflected. Or perchance The honeyed wine of life was turned to gall By sorrow’s hand, which brimmed his cup with tears, And made all things seem bitter to his taste. Give him compassion! But be not afraid Of nectared Love, or Friendship’s strengthening draught, Nor think a poison underlies their sweets. Look through true eyes—you will discover truth: Suspect suspicion, and doubt only doubt.