SIX LITTLE WORDS.

Six little words arrest me every day: I ought, must, can—I will, I dare, I may. I OUGHT—’tis conscience’ law, divinely writ Within my heart—the goal I strive to hit. I MUST—this warns me that my way is barred, Either by Nature’s law or custom hard. I CAN—in this is summed up all my might, Whether to do, or know, or judge aright. I WILL—my diadem, by the soul imprest With freedom’s seal—the ruler in my breast. I DARE—at once a motto for the seal, And, dare I? barrier ’gainst unlicensed zeal. I MAY—is final, and at once makes clear The way which else might vague and dim appear. I ought, must, can—I will, I dare, I may: These six words claim attention every day. Only, through Thee, know I what, every day, I ought, I must, I can, I will, I dare, I may.