Chaucer's Good Counsel,

Shun thou the crowd, and make the truth thy bride,
Contented with thy lot, mean though it be,
Who climbs may fall; hate is the fruit of pride;
Crowds shelter foes; blind is prosperity.
Essay no more than what behoveth thee;
Do thy work well, as thou'dst have others do;
Truth hath freed others—it shall free thee too.

Think not in haste to make things crooked straight,
Trusting that Fortune never shall thee fail;
Unhappy ever the reformer's fate;
The foot is pierced that kicks against a nail;
Broken the jar when dashed against a rail;
Reform thyself, and let the others be;
Follow the truth—the truth shall make thee free.

What Heaven sends, with cheerfulness receive;
Who strives with Fate but wrestles for a fall;
Hera is no home, why should'st thou vainly grieve?
Forth, pilgrim, forth—forth from they sheltered stall;
Seek thy true home; look up, thank God for all;
Keep the high road, thy spirit leading thee;
Doubt not—the truth, pursued, shall make thee free.

—Adapted, W. W. A.