I slept and dreamed that life was Beauty;
I woke, and found that life was Duty:--
Was read more

I slept and dreamed that life was Beauty;
I woke, and found that life was Duty:--
Was thy dream then a shadowy lie?

Not aw'd to duty by superior sway.

Not aw'd to duty by superior sway.

Knowledge is the hill which few may wish to climb;
Duty is the path that all may tread.

Knowledge is the hill which few may wish to climb;
Duty is the path that all may tread.

Straight is the line of duty;
Curved is the line of beauty;
Follow the straight line, thou read more

Straight is the line of duty;
Curved is the line of beauty;
Follow the straight line, thou shalt see
The curved line ever follow thee.

Give unto me, made lowly wise,
The spirit of self-sacrifice;
The confidence of reason give;
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Give unto me, made lowly wise,
The spirit of self-sacrifice;
The confidence of reason give;
And in the light of truth thy
Bondman let me live!

What is the most important duty? One's duty toward one's parent.

What is the most important duty? One's duty toward one's parent.

Left that command
Sole daughter of his voice.

Left that command
Sole daughter of his voice.

In common things the law of sacrifice takes the form of positive
duty.

In common things the law of sacrifice takes the form of positive
duty.

Alas! when duty grows thy law, enjoyment fades away.

Alas! when duty grows thy law, enjoyment fades away.