Waterbury Evening Democrat

Ballade of Patience

It doesn't do to take offense
At each imaginary slight.
A man will show a heap more sense
If he can rein his temper tight.
Of course, he may be in the right:
His patience may be sorely tried;
But then there is no use to fight—
Just let it slide

You may see through a thin pretense
That's made with clear, unclouded sight
You may have solid evidence
That black is black and white is white,
But then you need not spread your light
Of intellect too far and wide.
Don't contradict the blatherskite
Just let it slide.

We learn by long experience
That nothing goes to suit us quite;
We meet with scorn and insolence
And silly slander, wrong and spite
We sometimes rise up in our might
And vow we will not be decried:
But barking dogs will seldom bite
Just let it slide.

L'Envoi:
If some one has been impolite
Enough your efforts to deride,
Don't let it spoil your appetite—
Just let it slide.

—Chicago Daily News.