I would not have them ever glad, those many thoughts of mine— I would not with unclouded beams life’s sun should ever shine: For He who sends the clouds and rain knows when they are needed best, And I would upon his guiding care with firm reliance rest: But I would my thoughts were ever right—were ever firm and strong, Such thoughts as nerve the heart in might to conquer what is wrong, I would not that my spirit breathe the taint of impure air, But that only holy, heaven-sent thoughts should have an influence there. * * * * * STANZAS. BY MRS. O. M. P. LORD. There’s music in thy voice, love; Such notes have never been Since years and years ago, love, God’s angels talked with men; It never chides nor blames, love, But always seeks to praise. In truth such gentle speech, love. Thy native land betrays. Like summer cloud thy brow, love. And hue of summer sky, As ocean gives it back, love, Dwells in that tender eye; The heaven without looks in, love, And sees its image there; The heaven within looks out, love, So wondrous clear and fair. Soon, soon, we all must sleep, love, Through long and dreamless night; And, waking, find these robes, love, So changed, so clear and white; But thou, so pure and free, love, Thy garb from earthly stain, E’en as thou laid’st it down, love, Will take it up again. * * * * * DEAF, DUMB AND BLIND. OR THE NABOB UNCLE. BY AGNES L. GORDON. “Well, girls, prepare your sweetest smiles, and best behavior, for your uncle has arrived at last, and I have just received this note, dated at the Astor, announcing his coming, and accepting my invitation to make our house his home; so, to use his own expression, we may expect him, ‘bag and baggage,’ this evening.” These words were addressed by Mrs. Medway to her daughters, as they sat at breakfast, in an elegant apartment in a fashionable street up town.