"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the sull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and agrressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many personsstrive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrenderin the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in suden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline be gently with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you hae a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding asit should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your sould. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy."
(Found in Old Sant Paul's Church, Baltimore. Dated 1602).
