Chinese Proverb

The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.

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THE SATURDAY POEM

The Elixer

Emma Lazarus 1849-87

“Oh brew me a potion strong and good!
    One golden drop in his wine
Shall charm his sense and fire his blood,
    And  bend his will to  mine.”

Poor child of passion! ask of me
    Elixir of death or sleep,
Or Lethe’s stream; but love is free,
    And woman must wait and weep.

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