Rambling on, as before, along the wide street, A smooth wooden pavement tempting the feet, Some boys stopped to greet me in passing to school, ’Twas the custom of all, not enforced by a rule. “Can you tell me, my children,” I asked, with a smile, Where to find the hotel, to tarry awhile?” “My dear sir,” replied one with a bright, thoughtful face, “I never have seen in my life such a place. The word sometimes is read on history’s page. But no buildings so-called, exist in this age. All houses are open to strangers who find A home and warm friends if to stay they’re inclined.” “Then show me, I pray, Dr. Cure-em-all’s room,” “He died long ago--none can point out his tomb.” No sickness is known here--diseases nor pains-- But pure blood is bounding in even old veins.” In doubt, I enquired, “Where is now Lawyer Grip?” “Oh! he gave, as they say, all his clients the slip; Some affirm that he went over seas--others think That he drowned his senses, and life too, in drink. Here his sign you may see, though the letters are pale, With the emblem beneath, a fox’s long tail. Happy years to you, sir! to school we must haste Nor longer the precious, short study-hours waste.” They ran on in glee and left me alone, Still in quest of the tavern that once I had known. At last it appeared, but such a great change Had been made, that it looked surprisingly strange. The low dirty room, dark with stains and with smoke, Where revelry oft midnight sleepers awoke, The scene of mad riot and murderous strife, With blasphemy vile and obscenity rife, Was now the clean entrance that led to a hall, Not built, as with us, for one sect, but for all, Where the rich and the poor, a true Christian band, In loving communion as brothers might stand, To unite in thanksgiving, with hearts in accord, To the same risen Saviour--one Father and Lord. Night and day tones of prayer and praise filled the air ’Till the Spirit’s blest presence seemed hovering there; No priest, man ordained, cried, “Know, brother, the Lord!” Our High Priest and Minister gave the sure word, While o’erhead, wreathed with clouds, in letters of light, Shone the words, “Be ye holy and clean in my sight, For the pure in heart only my face shall behold, And forever dwell safe in the heavenly fold.” How long in that temple divine was my stay, I never have known, as no words can convey. The sense of the bliss, and ecstacy felt In my spirit, unconscious of all as I knelt, Save the heavenly gift of Infinite Love Descending on all from the Father above. With one fervent prayer for His grace to sustain And guide me, my steps were turned earthward again. Some ruins near by, I found to disclose The spot where in old time a theatre rose, In one day by spontaneous combustion destroyed,