Golden Verses (From Pythagoras) Poem by Martin Farquhar Tupper

First, honour thou the immortal gods, as a law of thy being:
Next, religiously keep thine oath, and reverence heroes:
Pay thou then the respect that is due to the dead, and their spirits:
Then honour those who begat thee, and let thy nearest be dearest:
After all these get a friend, whoever is foremost in virtue:
Yield to the modest excuse, and bow to the deeds of the useful:
Hate not a friend, and cast him not off, for trivial offences:
Do thy best; for fate dwells near to the line of thy power:
See thou observe the above. Strive also to compass as follow:
Conquer thy hunger, thy sloth, and thy lust; be master of anger:
Do no deed of disgrace, whether others witness thine actions,
Or thy conscience alone; above all things honour thy conscience.