The Way of the World by Ella Wheeler

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 12, 1885

The Way of the World.

By Ella Wheeler

Laugh, and the world laughs with you, Weep and you weep alone; For this brave old earth must borrow its mirth, It has troubles enough of its own. Sing, and the hills will answer, Sigh—it is lost on the air; The echoes bound to a joyful sound, But shrink from voicing care.

Rejoice, and men will seek you, Grieve, and they will turn and go; They want full measure of your pleasure, But they do not want your woe. Be glad, and your friends are many, Be sad, and you lose them all; There are none to decline your nectared wine, But alone you must drink life's gall.

Feast, and your halls are crowded, Fast, and the world goes by; Succeed and give, and it helps you live, But no man can help you die. There is room in the halls of pleasure For a long and lordly train; But one by one we must all file on Through the narrow aisles of pain. —Ella Wheeler.