Being and Seeming

Seek not the favour of the passing crowd,
Whose praise is quick to flourish, fade, and fall;
Today they raise your name and speak it loud,
Tomorrow scarcely know your name at all.

For those who live by others’ fleeting eyes
Become as changeful as the winds that move;
But virtue does not bend for shallow prize—
It stands in truth and seeks no praise to prove.

The good heart labours not to be admired,
But strives to walk with honour, firm, and true;
Its inner light by conscience is inspired,
And keeps its course with steady, constant view.

Applause is smoke that vanishes like rain,
Yet character, when tried, will still remain!

(inspiriert von Aristoteles Spruch:

Do not strive to be liked. 
Strive to be good. 
Approval comes and goes.
Character remains. )