A REPLY TO A YOUNG LADY.
Reading edition
"I can easier teach twenty what were good to be done Than to be one of the twenty to follow my own teaching," —Merchant of Venice.
"Do as I tell you, and not as I do." —Old Saying.
You say, a "moral sign-post" I Point out the road towards the sky; And then with glance so very shy You archly ask me, lady, why I hesitate myself to go In the direction which I show?
To answer is an easy task, If you allow me but to ask One little question, sweet, of you:— 'Tis this: should sign-posts travel too What would bewildered pilgrims do— Celestial pilgrims, such as you?