Passion Flowers (Watson)/Nobility

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Nobility.
If thou wouldst grow a soul serene and great,
 If thou wouldst noble be, then put away
The petty things that mark the low estate,
 And cumber him who 'd reach the fuller day.
What matter that the winds be hot or cold,
 What matter that the sky be overcast;
What matter that thy coffers teem with gold,
 Or whether worldlings' smiles or frowns thou hast?
But it doth matter that thou leave behind
 The whims and fancies, trifles which obscure
The vision, and the aspirations bind
 To smaller reaches and to aims impure.
So mayst thou find, with soul uplifted, free,
The fair and tranquil realm of true nobility.

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