Lxxvi

So much for men, and how disguise may make them mind Their master. But you have to deal with womankind? Abandon stratagem for strategy! Cast quite The vile disguise away, try truth clean-opposite Such creep-and-crawl, stand forth all man and, might it chance, Somewhat of angel too!--whate'er inheritance, Actual on earth, in heaven prospective, be your boast, Lay claim to! Your best self revealed at uttermost,-- That 's the wise way o' the strong! And e'en should falsehood tempt The weaker sort to swerve,--at least the lie 's exempt From slur, that 's loathlier still, of aiming to debase Rather than elevate its object. Mimic grace, Not make deformity your mask! Be sick by stealth, Nor traffic with disease--malingering in health! No more of: "Countrymen, I boast me one like you-- My lot, the common strength, the common weakness too! I think the thoughts you think; and if I have the knack Of fitting thoughts to words, you peradventure lack, Envy me not the chance, yourselves more fortunate! Many the loaded ship self-sunk through treasure freight, Many the pregnant brain brought never child to birth, Many the great heart broke beneath its girdle-girth! Be mine the privilege to supplement defect, Give dumbness voice, and let the laboring intellect Find utterance in word, or possibly in deed! What though I seem to go before? 't is you that lead! I follow what I see so plain--the general mind Projected pillar-wise, flame kindled by the kind, Which dwarfs the unit--me--to insignificance! Halt you, I stop forthwith,--proceed, I too advance!"