ANT. In sooth, I know not why I am so sad:  It wearies me; you say it wearies you; But how I caught it, found it, or came by it, What stuff ’tis made of, whereof it is born, I am to learn.

Salar.  Then let’s say you are sad Because you are not merry:  and ’twere as easy For you to laugh and leap, and say you are merry, Because you are not sad.  Now, by two-headed Janus, Nature hath framed strange fellows in her time:  Some that will evermore peep through their eyes And laugh like parrots at a bag-piper, And other of such vinegar aspect That they’ll not show their teeth in way of smile, Though Nestor swear the jest be laughable.

Gra.  You look not well, Signior Antonio; You have too much respect upon the world:  They lose it that do buy it with much care:  Believe me, you are marvelously changed.

  Ant.  I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano
  A stage where every man must play a part,
  And mine a sad one.

Gra.  Let me play the fool:  With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come, And let my liver rather heat with wine Than my heart cool with mortifying groans.  Why should a man whose blood is warm within Sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster?  Sleep when he wakes, and creep into a jaundice By being peevish?  Fare ye well awhile:  I’ll end my exhortation after dinner.

William Shakespeare.

APPRECIATION

  Life’s a bully good game with its kicks and cuffs—­
    Some smile, some laugh, some bluff;
  Some carry a load too heavy to bear
    While some push on with never a care,
  But the load will seldom heavy be
    When I appreciate you and you appreciate me.

  He who lives by the side of the road
    And helps to bear his brother’s load
  May seem to travel lone and long
    While the world goes by with a merry song,
  But the heart grows warm and sorrows flee
    When I appreciate you and you appreciate me.

  When I appreciate you and you appreciate me,
    The road seems short to victory;
  It buoys one up and calls “Come on,”
    And days grow brighter with the dawn;
  There is no doubt or mystery
    When I appreciate you and you appreciate me.

  It’s the greatest thought in heaven or earth—­
    It helps us know our fellow’s worth;
  There’d be no wars or bitterness,
    No fear, no hate, no grasping; yes,
  It makes work play, and the careworn free
    When I appreciate you and you appreciate me.

William Judson Kibby,

KEEP SWEET

Even the direst catastrophes may be softened by our attitude to them.  Charles II said to those who had gathered about his deathbed:  “You’ll pardon any little lapses, gentlemen.  I’ve never done this thing before.”