O happy is the man who hears

Instruction’s warning voice;

And who celestial Wisdom makes

his early, only choice.

For she has treasures greater far

than east or west unfold;

And her rewards more precious are

than all their stores of gold.

In her right hand she holds to view

a length of happy days;

Riches with splendid honours

are what her left displays.

She guides the young with innocence,

in pleasure’s paths to tread,

A crown of glory she bestows

upon the hoary head.

According as her labours rise,

so her rewards increase;

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

And all her paths are peace.