Mildly Judge Ye

Mildly Judge Ye

Mildly judge ye of each other—

Be to condemnation slow;

The very best have got their failings,

Something good the worst can show.

The brilliant sun hath spots of darkness

On his radiant front, they say,

And the clock that never goeth

Speaks correctly twice a day.

Do not mock your neighbor's weakness,

When his random whims you see,

For perhaps he something like it

Every day beholds in thee.

Folly leavens all our natures—

Soundest metal hath its flaws;

And the rigid stoic scorner

Is no wiser for his saws.

Every mortal hath his hobby—

It may foolish seem to you;

But remember, bright or simple,

You have got your hobby too.

Let a fellow feling warm you

When you criticise your friend;

Honor virtue in his actions,

In yourself his vices mend.

Think not those whom mortals honor

Are the best the earth affords,

For no tongue of praise shall blazon

Forth the deeds which Gods rewards.

There are fish behind in ocean

Good as ever from it came:

There are men unknown as noble

As the laureled heir of fame.

Mildly judge, then, of each other—

Be to condemnation slow,

For the wisest have their failings,

Something good the worst can show.

The sun himself hath spots of darkness

On his radiant brow, they say,

And the clock that never goeth

Speaks correctly twice a day.

Unattributed

1:41, p. 1

4.28.1860