Xxix. Better To Be Wise, Than To Seem To Be So Poem by Ellis Walker

If to please others, studying to be dear
In their kind thoughts, you move beyond your sphere
And look abroad, respect and praise to gain,
And the poor outward trifle call'd a name;
You lose the character you wish to bear,
You lose your station of philosopher.
Let it suffice that such yourself you know,
No matter whether other men think so:
Let it be to yourself, if wise you'd seem;
And 'tis enough, you gain your own esteem.