them in discreet reserve. Erewhile another came, whom she beheld Sought more the secret worth than outward charms, And that he was in every purpose fair, And just and honorable, true and good, And that he brought no dazzling gifts to tempt Her with, that he might win her heart and hand. And he in silent heed did note awhile Her nature and the ordering of her ways, And was much pleased to see them ordered well, And that the beauties of a virtuous mind Were not extinguished by her outward charms, As is, alas! the case too frequently. Then from this admiration yet awhile Did rise a love fair and reciprocal; And in due course he sought her heart and hand, And she did yield them gladly unto him. Thus they were in the bonds of wedlock joined, To mete the measure of their lives in one; And in their home was harmony and peace, And in all things they were together true. p. 147Time stood, and from his hand the hours, and days, Anon, and years dealt listlessly away; And, ere a while, she merged on ripened years, With many honors rising from her path, Had sons and daughters, and had trained them well, As it is fitting that a mother should, And had her mission filled in every way. Then was her act concluded, and she left The scenes of life and all the changes there, And came in gladness to a higher realm, And there abode together with the just, Who to their Maker give the glory due, And who in the affairs of life forget Not to ascribe Him praise and worship most. The curtain fell, and, lo! a clear, strange voice Broke from the hidden scenes, declaring thus, And with the words a thrilling power was borne, That every passer in amazement turned: “Blessed are they who walk in virtue’s way! A maid of virtue is a precious gem, More priceless than the pearl of many seas. Her mind is pure as snow which Winter breathes, White and unspotted with the stains of time. Her memory is like the gorgeous sun, Which hath gone down behind the distant hills, Yet sends a stream of glory from its seat p. 148Upon the firmament where once it rode, Diffusing there a sweet and golden light. So shall the recollections of her shine Upon the hearts of men, who in her time Did know her worth and the fair fruits thereof.”  Scarce had these words been uttered, when again. The curtain rose, which hid the stage of life; And, lo! I saw the like fair scenes were there, Which in the former act had been displayed; But she who stood the foremost in the act Was other maiden, yet as sweet and fair. Her every limb of beauty was adorned, And in her face did winning brightness shine. A manner gay she had, which unto men Was sweet and charmful, that whoe’er beheld Was at the sight of thrilling rapture filled; And all her mirth was gay and ever full, And all her laughter fraught of dancing fun. A roguish eye 

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