And when Shemai counselled him The temple door to close, To hide, lest he should fall a prey Unto his cruel foes. Strong in his faith, he answered, “No, He would oppose the tide, Should such as he from danger flee, And in the temple hide?” We wrought in earnest faith and hope Until we built the wall, And then, unto a joyful feast Did priest and people call. We came to dedicate the wall With sacrifice and joy— A happy throng, from aged sire Unto the fair-haired boy. Our lips so used to mournful songs, Did joyous laughter fill, And strong men wept with sacred joy To stand on Zion’s hill. Mid scoffing foes and evil men, We built our city blest, And ’neath our sheltering vines and palms To-day in peace we rest. SHALMANEZER, _PRINCE OF COSMAN_. BY MRS. FRANCES E. W. HARPER. Shalmanezer, Prince of Cosman, stood on the threshold of manly life, having just received a rich inheritance which had been left him by his father. He was a magnificent-looking creature—the very incarnation of manly strength and beauty. The splendid poise of his limbs, the vigor and litheness of his motions, the glorious light that flashed from his splendid dark eyes, the bright joyous smiles that occasionally wreathed his fresh young lips, and the finely-erect carriage of his head, were enough to impress the beholder with the thought, “Here is an athlete armed for a glorious strife!” While Shalmanezer was thinking upon his rich inheritance and how he should use it, he suddenly lifted his eyes and saw two strange-looking personages standing near him. They both advanced towards Shalmanezer when they saw their presence had attracted his attention. The first one that approached the young man and addressed him, was named Desire. He was a pleasant-looking youth, with a flushed face, and eager, restless eyes. He looked as if he had been pursuing a journey, or had been grasping at an object he had failed to obtain. There was something in his manner that betrayed a want of rest—a look in his eyes which seemed to say, “I am not satisfied.” But when he approached, he smiled in the most seductive manner, and, reaching out his hand to Shalmanezer said: “I have come to welcome thee to man’s estate, and for thy enjoyment, I have brought thee three friends who will lead thee into the brightest paths, and press to thy lips the sweetest elixirs.”