Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
Concordia res parvæ crescunt, discordia maximæ dilabantur.
By union the smallest states thrive, by discord the greatest are destroyed.
Wir sind ein Volk, und einig wollen wir handeln.
We are one people and will act as one.
Seid einig—einig—einig.
Be united—united—united.
So we grew together,
Like to a double cherry, seeming parted,
But yet a union in partition;
Two lovely berries moulded on one stem:
So, with two seeming bodies, but one heart;
Two of the first, like coats in heraldry,
Due but to one and crowned with one crest.
Auxilia humilia firma consensus facit.
Union gives strength to the humble.
Their meetings made December June.
Their every parting was to die.
Quo res cunque cadant, unum el? commune periculum,
Una salus ambobus erit.
Whatever may be the issue we shall share one common danger, one safety.
Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable.
One Country, one Constitution, one Destiny.
UNKINDNESS
As "unkindness has no remedy at law," let its avoidance be with you a point of honor.
My lodging it is on the cold ground, and very hard is my fare,
But that which troubles me most, is the unkindness of my dear.
Hard Unkindness' alter'd eye,
That mocks the tear it forced to flow.
Since trifles make the sum of human things,
And half our misery from our foibles springs;
Since life's best joys consist in peace and ease,
And though but few can serve, yet all may please ;
Oh, let th' ungentle spirit learn from hence,
A small unkindness is a great offence.
She hath tied
Sharp-tooth'd unkindness, like a vulture here.
Unkindness may do much;
And his unkindness may defeat my life,
But never taint my love.
In nature there's no blemish but the mind;
None can be call'd deform'd but the unkind.
V
VALENTINES
On paper curiously shaped
Scribblers to-day of every sort,
In verses Valentines yclep'd,
To Venus chime their annual court.
I too will swell the motley throng,
And greet the all auspicious day,
Whose privilege permits my song
My love thus socrat to convey.
Muse, bid the Morn awake!
Sad Winter now declines,
Each bird doth choose a mate;
This day's Saint Valentine's.
For that good bishop's sake
Get up and let us see
What beauty it shall be
That Fortune us assigns.
Oft have I heard both youths and virgins say,
Birds chuse their mates and couple too this day:
But by their flight I never can devine
When I shall couple with my valentine.
No popular respect will I omit
To do the honour on this happy day,
When every loyal lover tasks his wit
His simple truth in studious rhymes to pay,
And to his mistress dear his hopes convey.
Rather thou knowest I would still outrun
All calendars with Love's whose date alway
Thy bright eyes govern better than the Sun,—
For with thy favour was my life begun,
And still I reckon on from smiles to smiles,
And not by summers, for I thrive on none
But those thy cheerful countenance compiles;
Oh! if it be to choose and call thee mine,
Love, thou art every day my Valentine!
