Stories Worth Rereading

<h2 id="id00173" style="margin-top: 3em">Heroism</h2> <p id="id00174">A tone of pride or petulance repressed,<br/> A selfish inclination firmly fought,<br/> A shadow of annoyance set at naught,<br/> A measure of disquietude suppressed,<br/> A peace in importunity possessed,<br/> A reconcilement generously sought,<br/> A purpose put aside, a banished thought,<br/> A word of self-explaining unexpressed,—<br/> Trifles they seem, these petty soul-restraints;<br/> Yet he who proves them so must needs possess<br/> A constancy and courage grand and bold.<br/> They are the trifles that have made the saints.<br/> Give me to practise them in humbleness,<br/> And nobler power than mine doth no man hold.<br/> —<i>Selected</i>.<br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />