LESS THAN COST by Mrs. M. A. Kidder

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 2, 1893

"LESS THAN COST."

By Mrs. M. A. Kidder

BY MRS. M. A. KIDDER.

We often see as on we jog, Through street or road, down court or lane, This trite announcement, "Less than cost," Upon some door or window pane. And then we muse on many things That men have gained, and men have lost, And wonder at the foolish souls Who sell themselves for "less than cost."

The young man, stout of heart and limb, His bright eye fixed upon the goal, Starts out in quest of fortune's gifts, Strong purpose in his honest soul. Ah! brave is he, and grand, and high, If on life's ocean, tempest tossed, He keeps the beacon star in sight, Nor sells himself for "less than cost."

And you, fair, youthful, budding lass, Now scattering smiles on all around— As violets shed their sweet perfume, And rose leaves drop upon the ground— Be careful, darling; too much sun Is sometimes worse than too much frost; Better to stand back in the shade Than sell your name for "less than cost."

"What may a human being cost?" You ask us, maybe, with a frown; A mother's pains, a mother's tears, Alone might weigh the balance down. But much more precious far than these The spark divine God called a soul; Then let us keep the jewel bright As months and years shall onward roll.