Tho’ thy life work may be humble, Keep a brave and trusting heart; Do it well, it is thy portion, God himself assigned the part. There is not on earth another— Even monarch of the throne— Who can fill thy place so nobly, As thyself, thyself alone. If a few shall rise above thee, And the world their deeds applaud, Do not let their fame depress thee, None can judge thee save thy God. CONSTANCY. He makes the most of life, who soonest learns That ’tis not best to try for heights too high, Nor yet to be content with vales too low; But day by day upon his upward way, Accepts the possible for which he yearns, Rejects those things that far beneath him lie, And asks the strength of slow success, to know, Which gains the Heaven for which we mortals pray. FAIREST DAYS. The sun is flooding all the land and sky, The waves are dancing o’er the deep blue sea; The world is gay and yet, they say, not I— Since absence makes a gulf ’tween you and me. When you were here the clouds were in the sky, The rain-drops fell, the sun was hid from view; The world was dull and yet, they say, not I— For my gay world is centred, love, in you. When you are near no matter what the sky, No matter what the sea nor what the weather; The world is gay and so, my love, am I— The days are fairest when we are together. MY PETITION. O let me say one little word, Ere I depart, To soothe one sorrow, Teach one truth, And help one heart! O let me sing one little song, Before I go, To wake one wanderer, Lift one load, And wing one woe! O let me breathe one little prayer, While yet I live, To bring one blessing, Heal one hurt, One sin forgive! O let me write one little song, Ere life is o’er, To cause one comfort, Save one soul, Forever more! IMPERISHABLE MELODIES. Around the world they ring to-day, And they will ring forever; Like beauteous birds that sweetly sing, Good cheer and comfort they shall bring; And saving souls along the way, Will be forgotten never. Both autocrat and peasant poor, With heaven born inspiration, Composed these grand and soulful themes That wake the dreamer from his dreams, And shall, while patriot rights endure, Arouse a loyal nation. The mighty chimes ring out the fame Of him who wrote with feeling, And while sweet symphonies prolong, He lives again to move the throng, And preaches in Jehovah’s name From spires where bells are pealing. MOTHER.