The Home Circle | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 28, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 41.

The Home Circle.

NOBLESSE OBLIGE.

If I am weak and you are strong, Why then, why then, To you the braver deeds belong; And so, again, If you have gifts and I have none, If I have shade and you have sun, 'Tis yours with freer hand to give, 'Tis yours with truer grace to live, Than I who, giftless, sunless, stand, With barren life and hand.

We do not ask the little brook To turn the wheel; Unto the larger stream we look. The strength of steel We do not ask from silken bands, Nor hearts of oak in willow wands; We do not ask the wren to go Up to the heights the eagles know; Nor yet expect the lark's clear note From out the dove's dumb throat.

'Tis wisdom's law, the perfect code By love inspired, Of him on whom much is bestowed Is much required. The tuneful throat is bid to sing, The oak must reign the forest's king, The rushing stream the wheel must move, The beaten steel its strength must prove; 'Tis given unto the eagle's eyes To face the midday skies. —Selected