He has achieved success 
who has lived well, 
laughed often, and loved much; 

who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, 
the respect of intelligent men and 
the love of little children; 

who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; 

who has left the world better than he found it 
whether by an improved poppy, 
a perfect poem or a rescued soul; 

who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty 
or failed to express it; 

who has always looked for the best in others and 
given them the best he had; 

whose life was an inspiration; 
whose memory a benediction. 

(1904) by Bessie Anderson Stanley