Mr. Gilder also takes a deep interest in education, and our colleges have no stauncher friend than he. His address on “Public Opinion” has been delivered by invitation before Yale, Harvard and Johns Hopkins Universities. We quote a paragraph from this address which clearly sets forth his conception of public duty as it should be taught by our institutions of learning:―― “Who will lift high the standard of a disinterested and righteous public opinion if it is not the institutions of learning, great and small, private and public, that are scattered throughout our country? They are the responsible press, and the unsensational but fearless pulpit――it is these that must discriminate; that must set the standard of good taste and good morals, personal and public. They together must cultivate fearless leaders, and they must educate and inspire the following that makes leadership effectual and saving.” As appears from the above Mr. Gilder is a man of exalted ideals. He despises sham, hypocrisy and all “wickedness in high places.” He regards no man with so much scorn as he who uses his office or position to defend or shield law-breakers and enemies of the public. In his own words,―― “He, only, is the despicable one Who lightly sells his honor as a shield For fawning knaves, to hide them from the sun. Too nice for crime yet, coward, he doth yield For crime a shelter. Swift to Paradise The contrite thief, not Judas with his price!” * * * * * SONNET. (AFTER THE ITALIAN.) _From the “Five Books of Song.” (1894.) The Century Co._ I KNOW not if I love her overmuch; But this I know, that when unto her face She lifts her hand, which rests there, still, a space, Then slowly falls――’tis I who feel that touch. And when she sudden shakes her head, with such A look, I soon her secret meaning trace. So when she runs I think ’tis I who race. Like a poor cripple who has lost his crutch I am if she is gone; and when she goes, I know not why, for that is a strange art―― As if myself should from myself depart. I know not if I love her more than those Who long her light have known; but for the rose She covers in her hair, I’d give my heart. * * * * * THE LIFE MASK OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. _From “For the Country.” (1897.) The Century Co._ THIS bronze doth keep the very form and mold Of our great martyr’s face. Yes, this is he: That brow all wisdom, all benignity; That human, humorous mouth; those cheeks that hold Like some harsh landscape all the summer’s gold; That spirit fit for sorrow, as the sea For storms to beat on; the lone agony Those silent, patient lips too well foretold.