One man in a thousand, Solomon says, <br />Will stick more close than a brother. <br />And it's worth while seeking him half your days <br />If you find him before the other. <br />Nine nundred and ninety-nine depend <br />On what the world sees in you, <br />But the Thousandth man will stand your friend <br />With the whole round world agin you. <br /> <br />'Tis neither promise nor prayer nor show <br />Will settle the finding for 'ee. <br />Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em go <br />By your looks, or your acts, or your glory. <br />But if he finds you and you find him. <br />The rest of the world don't matter; <br />For the Thousandth Man will sink or swim <br />With you in any water. <br /> <br />You can use his purse with no more talk <br />Than he uses yours for his spendings, <br />And laugh and meet in your daily walk <br />As though there had been no lendings. <br />Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em call <br />For silver and gold in their dealings; <br />But the Thousandth Man h's worth 'em all, <br />Because you can show him your feelings. <br /> <br />His wrong's your wrong, and his right's your right, <br />In season or out of season. <br />Stand up and back it in all men's sight -- <br />With that for your only reason! <br />Nine hundred and ninety-nine can't bide <br />The shame or mocking or laughter, <br />But the Thousandth Man will stand by your side <br />To the gallows-foot -- and after!<br /><br />Rudyard Kipling<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-thousandth-man/
