p. 62 | People Will Talk

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Feb 15, 1877

People Will Talk.

You may get through the world but ’twill be very slow, If you listen to all that is said as you go; You’ll be worried, and fretted, and kept in a stew: For meddlesome tongues will have something to do, For people will talk.

If quiet and modest, you’ll have it presumed That your humble position is only assumed; You’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing, or else you’re a fool, But don’t get excited, keep perfectly cool, For people will talk.

If generous and noble, they’ll vent out their spleen, You’ll hear some loud hints that you’re selfish and mean; If upright, honest, and fair as the day, They’ll call you a rogue, in a sly, sneering way, For people will talk.

And then, if you show the least boldness of heart, Or a slight inclination to take your own part, They will call you an upstart, conceited, and vain; But keep straight ahead, don’t stop to explain, For people will talk.

If threadbare your dress, or old-fashioned your hat, Some one will surely take notice of that, And hint rather strong that you can’t pay your way; But don’t get excited, whatever they say, For people will talk.

If you dress in the fashion, don’t think to escape, For they criticise them in a different shape; You’re ahead of your means, or your tailor’s unpaid; But mind your own business, there’s naught to be made, For people will talk.

Now, the best way to do is to do as you please, For your mind, if you have one, will then be at ease; Of course you will meet with all sorts of abuse; But don’t think to stop them, it ain’t any use, For people will talk.