The Diary of an Old Soul

Daily Readings by George MacDonald (1824 - 1905)

November 9

Only no word of mine must ever foster

The self that in a brother's bosom gnaws;

I may not fondle failing, nor the boaster

Encourage with the breath of my applause.

Weakness needs pity, sometimes love's rebuke;

Strength only sympathy deserves and draws—

And grows by every faithful loving look.