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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TRUE CULTURE by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE HIGHEST CULTURE IS TO SPEAK NO ILL
Last Line: FROM COMMON LIPS LIKE WEEDS FROM MARSHY SOIL.
Subject(s): BEAUTY; CULTURE CONFLICT; LIFE;

The highest culture is to speak no ill;
The best reformer is the man whose eyes
Are quick to see all beauty and all worth;
And by his own discreet, well-ordered life,
Alone reproves the erring.
When thy gaze
Turns it on thine own soul, be most severe.
But when it falls upon a fellow-man
Let kindliness control it; and refrain
From that belittling censure that springs forth
From common lips like weeds from marshy soil.



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