Not a sound of instrument ever heard, Nor loveliest note of the singing bird, Nor sounds produced by the wave, or the wind, Compare to the voice of a Jenny Lind; And when Patti sings, O heaven! how sweet Is the entrancing voice her hearers greet, Thus proving it true, the sound of man’s choice Is the rich, sweet sound of the human voice. It may be the voice of a loving friend, Kindly offering your sorrows to mend, The voices of children engaged in play, And happily passing the time away, Or the gentle voice of a sister dear, O’erflowing with tenderness, love and cheer, And then it must be, the sound of man’s choice, Is the rich, sweet sound of the human voice. It may be a father warning his son, And kindly teaching him the course to run, Or a mother pleading in accents mild, “O God, have mercy on my darling child;” The voice of a father, sister, or brother, And tender voice of a loving mother, Make clear the fact that the sound of man’s choice, Is the rich, sweet sound of the human voice. THE MAN FOR THE TIMES. The man for the times is one with a soul, And a heart that is tender and sound, Who keeps his conscience in his own control, And who bends his ear to the ground. His mind should be clear and his body strong, And his habits correct and clean; He should stand for right and fight against wrong, And rise above everything mean. His views should be broad, liberal and wise, And his acts conform to his views, Quick to listen to humanity’s cries, And give every creature his dues. Bomb proof against bribes and corruptions base, With record and honor unstained, Proving always the right man for the place, With no conduct to be explained. Wide awake to the progress of events, Marching with the leaders of thought, Watching what science creates and prevents, And what wonders are being wrought, Master of electricity and steam, Also compressed and liquid air, And the power contained in wind and stream, And know how these forces compare. The wireless telegraph and telephone, Should be simple toys in his hand, And all sciences that to man are known, He should fairly well understand. He should keep posted in man’s inventions, And his rapid progress in art, And in all proper works and intentions, Take a leading and manly part. With courage and noble ambition, He should grasp the problem of life, And raise the standard of man’s condition, Or perish in the throes of strife. His heart should be fired with burning love For his suffering fellowman, And his soul fragrant with balm from above, Should elevate the human plan.