Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness; altogether past calculation its power of endurance. -Carlyle. Anxiety is good for nothing, if we cannot turn it into a defense. -George Eliot. To hate a man for his errors is as unwise as to hate one who, in casting up an account, has made an error against himself. -Robertson. Tell them, dear, if eyes were made for seeing, -Emerson. Deep streams run still-and why? Not because there are no obstacles, but because they altogether overflow those stones or rocks round which the shallow stream has to make its noisy way. -William Smith. "Cold and reserved natures should remember that though not unfrequently flowers may be found beneath the snow, it is chilly work to dig for them, and few care to take the trouble." Still seems it strange that thou should'st live forever? Is it less strange, that thou shouldst live at all? -Young. A MORNING THOUGHT. What if some morning, when the stars were paling, And the dawn whitened, and the East was clear, Strange peace and rest fell on me from the presence Of a benignant Spirit standing near: And I should tell him, as he stood beside me, "This is our Earth-most friendly Earth, and fair: Daily its sea and shore through sun and shadow Faithful it turns, robed in its azure air: "There is blest living here, loving and serving, And quest of truth, and serene friendships dear; But stay not, Spirit! Earth has one destroyer His name is Death: flee, lest he find thee here!" And what if then, while the still morning brightened, And freshened in the elm the Summer's breath, Should gravely smile on me the gentle angel And take my hand and say, "My name is Death." -Edward Rowland Sill. THE POET'S PRAYER. If there be some weaker one, Let me guide him nearer Thee; -J. G. Whittier. Waste no tears Upon the blotted record of lost years, Each has his features, whose exterior seal -Holmes. |