Better Than Gold Better than grandeur, better than gold, Than rank and titles a thousandfold, Is a healthy body and a mind at ease, A simple pleasures that always please. A heart that can feel for another's woe, And share his joys with a genial glow; With sympathies large enough to enfold All men as brothers, is better than gold. Better than gold is a conscience clear, Though toiling in an humble sphere, Doubly blesses with content and health, Untried by the lusts and cares of wealth, Lowly loiving and lofty thought Adorn and ennoble a poor man's cot; For mind and morals in nature's plan Are the genuine tests of an earnest man. Better than gold is a peaceful home Where all the fireside characters come, The shrine of love, the heaven of Life, Hallowed by mother, or sister, or wife. However humble it may be, Or tried with sorrow by heaven's decree, The blessings that never were bought or sold, And center there, are better than gold. ~Abram Joseph Ryan