In order that all these disadvantages may be frankly admitted, yet stubbornly defended, the transition shall be covered by a third version of the same, or an allied, theme: Oliver Wendell Holmes with his “Two Armies” shall be called in to blunt the edge of so much criticism and mitigate the shock of contrast. REGINALD LUCAS, _Member of the Board of Management_. THE TWO ARMIES As life’s unending column pours, Two marshalled hosts are seen,-- Two armies on the trampled shores That Death flows black between. One marches to the drum-beat’s roll, The wide-mouthed clarion’s bray, And bears upon a crimson scroll, “Our glory is to slay.” One moves in silence by the stream, With sad, yet watchful eyes, Calm as the patient planet’s gleam That walks the clouded skies. Along its front no sabres shine, No blood-red pennons wave; Its banners bear the single line “Our duty is to save.” For those no death-bed’s lingering shade; At Honour’s trumpet call, With knitted brow and lifted blade In Glory’s arms they fall. For these no clashing falchions bright, No stirring battle-cry; The bloodless stabber calls by night-- Each answers, “Here am I!” For those the sculptor’s laurelled bust, The builder’s marble pile, The anthems pealing o’er their dust Through long cathedral aisle. For these the blossom-sprinkled turf That floods the lonely graves, When Spring rolls in her sea-green surf In flowery-foaming waves. Two paths lead upwards from below, And angels wait above, Who count each burning life-drop’s flow, Each falling tear of Love. Though from the Hero’s bleeding breast Her pulses Freedom drew, Though the white lilies in her crest Sprang from that scarlet dew,-- While Valour’s haughty champions wait Till all their scars are shown, Love walks unchallenged through the gate, To sit beside the Throne! OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES. THE ADDRESS GENTLEMEN,