Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
                   And remember what peace there may in silence.
                   As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
                   Speak your truth quietly, and clearly, and listen to others,
                   Even the dull and ignorant, for they too have their story.
                   Avoid loud and aggressive persons - they are vexations to the spirit.
                   If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter,
                   For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
                   Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
                   Keep interested in your own career, however humble:
                   It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
                   Exercise caution in your business affairs,
                   For the world is full of trickery,
                   But let this not blind you to what virtue there is:
                   Many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
                   Be yourself.
                   Especially do not feign affection; neither be cynical about love,
                   For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as
                                     perennial as the grass.
                   Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering
                                     the things of youth:
                   Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune,
                   But do not distress yourself with imaginings -
                   Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
                   Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
                   You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars.
                   You have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you,
                   No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
                   Therefore be at peace with GOD, whatever you conceive him to be,
                   And whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life,
                   Keep peace with your soul.
                   With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
                   It is still a beautiful world.
                                     Be careful.
                                     Strive to be happy.

Reproduced here without authority - because I have no idea who to ask for permission. This version includes the phrase 'whatever you conceive him to be' - this was added, I believe, when Desiderata was made into a 'song' (which must have been sometime in the mid to late 70's...) The original was, supposedly, discovered in a graveyard in Baltimore, dated 1692 . I vaguely remember it was proved to be a much more recent - i.e. 19/20^th century - fake. Doesn't matter. It's still a wonderful template for life...Back to the story.

Today (Jan 11^th) I've received an email from David W Doig with the following:-
     "The Desiderata was written by Max Ehrmann. I believe he was born in the latter half of the nineteenth century. The reference you gave probably is a corruption of the more usual one. During the dark days of World War Two the priest at St. Paul's Church, founded 1692, used to publish short, inspirational poems in the church bulletin. At the bottom of the bulletin was St. Paul's Church, 1692."

Many thanks, David. I much prefer to have the correct information!