TRUISMS. 87 



truisms. 



Selfseeking, when a cherished aim, 

 Wiles all life's peace away ; 



An ignis fatuus of the brain, 

 It ever leads astray. 



To trouble our exertion tends. 



However great the zest 

 With which we follow selfish ends 



That cannot bring us rest. 



How often, when we almost clasp 

 The prize for which we play. 



The fancied good eludes the grasp, 

 Meandering away. 



And if a man at last succeeds. 

 And wins the highest stake, 



Success itself too often feeds 

 The thhst it seeks to slake. 



