Some how a cur’ous feelin’ seems to steal acrost my mind, Ez I look back to boyish days an’ think how good an’ kind Thet mother’s been in teachin’ me to shun the evil ways, An’ how attentive she hez been, e’en from my infant days. An’ when I think how many years she’s toiled thro’ shine and rain, An’ how she’s allus been on hand to soothe my every pain, It seems ez ef to do my best thet I could never be Half good an’ kind enough to pay fer all she’s done fer me. Perhaps you think it’s silly, but it’s jest ez I hev sed, Thet all the other presents ol’ St. Nicholas ever hed, Compared with that he give to me w’ud be but worthless chaff, Nor comfort me one half ez much ez mother’s photograph. _FIFTY YEARS._ Two score and ten summers have glided away, As time speeds relentlessly on; And our thoughts wander back, as we sit here to-day, O’er the past that has faded and gone. Many dear ones have gone to their rest in the grave, Young hearts have departed from play; Still others have gone, their dear country to save, And fall’n ’mid the wild battle’s fray. Many dear to our hearts are now far in the west, While few near the old home remain; And though often lonely, we’ve been greatly blest,-- Our labors have not been in vain. ’Tis fifty long years since the day which we set, Our sorrows and pleasures to share; That bright, happy day we ne’er shall forget, When life looked so joyous and fair! _A MAIDEN WONDROUS FAIR._ Within a certain town there dwelt A maiden wondrous fair, Whose cheeks were like the rose’s hue And golden was her hair. Her eyes were like the twinkling stars, Her teeth were like the pearl; And sons of both the rich and poor, Admired this charming girl. Two constant beaus this maiden had, And each one swore that she, Ere many months had passed away, His own dear wife would be. But soon an incident occurred Which all their plans upset, When at the maiden’s gate one eve Her two admirers met. Hard words arose between the two, As oft there had before; And that the maid should be his wife Still each persistent swore. The longer thus they did contend, The more their wrath did rise; Until at last they came to blows O’er who should have the prize. While thus engaged, a prim young man With unpretentious mien Approached, just as the maid herself Appeared upon the scene. Then soon the angry blows were ceased And quietude restored; And each apologized to her Whom he so much adored. Then bowing low, each went his way; Quite black and swollen-eyed; While she whom they had fought to win Became the third man’s bride. _WEALTH AND WANT._