Calmly still, Although to ecstasy his being drank, The fathomless, pure music of the voice Heard in that visioned hour, as once again He stood by the low portal of the home Of Mary. He passed in with noiseless step. Through the dim vine-leaves of the lattice Not a moonbeam fell, and yet a softer ray Than ever streamed from alabaster lamps, Lit the white vesture and the upturned face Of her who knelt in meekness there. Her lips Were motionless, and the slight clasping hands Pressed lightly on her bosom, but a high Seraphic bliss spoke in the fervent hush Of the pure, radiant features; for she held Unsoiled communion with her spirit's lord. Slowly away faded that glorious trance, And the white lids lifted as though reluctant. She looked on Joseph, and a faint, quick flush Swept shadowingly her forehead. Woman still, She felt, and painfully, that at the bar Of manhood's pride, earth had for her no witness. But the calm mien, and broad, uncovered brow Of Joseph, told no anger. He drew near, And knelt beside her; and the hand she gave In greeting was pressed close and silently, With reverent tenderness, upon his heart. TEARS. BY CHARLES D. GARDETTE, M.D. 'Tis said, affliction's deepest sting Some token of its pain will bring In tears of bitter flow; But they who thus judge sorrow's smart, Know not the pang that wrings the heart, With withering tearless woe! The scorching grief that blasts the fount, And dries its tears, ere yet they mount, To soothe the burning eye; That speeds the blood with torrent force Through every bursting vein to course, Yet leave each life-track dry! The grief that binds with rankling chain Each feeling of the heart and brain, Save sternness and despair; And crushes with relentless hand Each hope religion's trust had planned, Planting rebellion there! Such grief, not one of these have known, Who say that flowing tears alone Proclaim the bosom's throes! Tears are the tokens God designed For lighter griefs of heart and mind, Such as pure child-life knows; And therefore, hath He so ordained That infant-tears be not restrained, But lightly caused to flow, That these, who cannot tell their grief, Shall find in weeping, such relief As manhood may not know! INCONSTANCY. BY E. M.