The cause of the panic was soon explained. Mrs. Banford had overlooked the presence of her pet dog in the house, and this innocent animal, in running from one room to another, had dislodged the "cheap and effective" burglar-alarms.
Better to smell the violet cool, than sip the glowing wine; Better to hark a hidden brook, than watch a diamond shine.
Better the love of a gentle heart, than beauty's favor proud; Better the rose's living seed, than roses in a crowd.
Better to love in loneliness, than to bask in love all day; Better the fountain in the heart, than the fountain by the way.
Better be fed by a mother's hand, than eat alone at will; Better to trust in God, than say: "My goods my storehouse fill."
Better to be a little wise, than in knowledge to abound; Better to teach a child, than toil to fill perfection's round.
Better to sit at a master's feet, than thrill a listening State; Better suspect that thou art proud, than be sure that thou art great.
Better to walk the real unseen, than watch the hour's event; Better the "Well done!" at the last, than the air with shouting rent.
Better to have a quiet grief, than a hurrying delight; Better the twilight of the dawn, than the noonday burning bright.
Better a death when work is done, than earth's most favored birth; Better a child in God's great house, than the king of all the earth.
End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Recitations for the Social Circle, by James Clarence Harvey