Wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Proverbs 8:11
Words: Salathiel C. Kirk, Musings Along the Way (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: A. H. Sickler, 1900), page 91.
Music: Park Street Frederick M. A. Venua, circa 1810 (🔊 pdf nwc). Repeats the last line of each verse.
If you know where to get a good picture of Venua (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
The world is rich in human lore,
And wise is he who early trains
His mind its riches to explore,
And gather in its golden grains.
But wiser he that early seeks
That wisdom whereof we are told
Its merchandise more worth bespeaks
Than merchandise of purest gold.
Her price not rubies can command;
All else is dross compared with her;
The length of days is in her hand
And all the honor they confer.
O, seek her young! With steadfastness
Cling to her as thy years increase;
For hers are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are paths of peace.