I WOULDN'T BE CROSS by Margaret E. Sangster

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 13, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 19.

I WOULDN'T BE CROSS.

By Margaret E. Sangster

BY MARGARET E. SANGSTER.

I WOULDN'T be cross, dear, it's never worth while; Disarm the vexation by wearing a smile. Let hap a disaster, a trouble, a loss, Just meet the thing boldly, and never be cross.

I wouldn't be cross, dear, with people at home; They love you so fondly, whatever may come. You may count on the kinsfolk around you to stand, Oh, loyally true in a brotherly band! So, since the fine gold far exceedeth the dross, I wouldn't be cross, dear, I wouldn't be cross.

I wouldn't be cross with a stranger, ah, no! To the pilgrims we meet on the life path we owe This kindness, to give them good cheer as they pass, To clear out the flint stones, and plant the soft grass. No, dear, with a stranger, in trial or loss, I perchance might be silent, I wouldn't be cross.

No bitterness sweetens, no sharpness may heal The wound which the soul is too proud to reveal. No envy hath peace; by a fret and a jar The beautiful work of your hands we may mar. Let happen what may, dear, of trouble and loss, I wouldn't be cross, love, I wouldn't be cross. —Harper's Young People.