My Creed

by Howard Arnold Walter, early 1900s

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;

I would be pure, for there are those who care;

I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;

I would be brave, for there is much to dare.

I would be friend of all - the foe, the friendless;

I would be giving, and forget the gift.

I would be humble, for I know my weakness;

I would look up - and laugh - and love - and lift.

To be Honest, to be Kind

by Robert Louis Stevenson, 1887

To be honest, to be kind -- to earn a little and to spend a little less,

to make upon the whole a family happier for his presence,

to renounce when that shall be necessary and not be embittered,

to keep a few friends, but these without capitulation -- above all,

on the same grim condition, to keep friends with himself

-- here is a task for all that a man has of fortitude and delicacy.