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Honor is something we all profess,
But most of us cheat—some more, some less—
An' the real test isn't the way we do
When there isn't a pinch in either shoe;
It's whether we're true to our best or not
When the right thing's certain to hurt a lot.

— Edgar Guest When Day is Done (1921)

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More quotes by Edgar Guest

Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying
And answer this demon by saying: "I can."

A Heap o' Livin (1916)

The things are mighty few on earth
That wishes can attain.
Whate'er we want of any worth
We've got to work to gain.

A Heap o' Livin (1916)

None knows the day that friends must part
None knows how near is sorrow;
If there be laughter in your heart
Don't hold it for tomorrow.

A Heap o' Livin (1916)

Are you one of the nine who pass men by
In this hasty life we live?
Do you refuse with a downcast eye
The help which you could give?
Or are you the one in ten whose creed
Is always to stop for the man in need?

All That Matters (1922)

The difference 'twixt good and bad is not so very much,
A few more minutes at the task, an extra turn or touch,
A final test that all is right—and yet the men are few
Who seem to think it worth their while these extra things to do.

All That Matters (1922)

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Edgar Guest (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.