Oerqs and H^^i^^s 
 
 of tl?e 
 
 School l^oom. 
 
 Bg 
 
 Mrs. A. S. !NI. OravA/ford. 
 
 PRINTED BV 
 PATTERSON. VANCE & CO. 
 
Gerqs and f^elics 
 
 of tlje 
 
 School l^oom. 
 
 o"" 
 
 '^ ^ Bu i.'AR 3 K. ,1 
 
 IVIrs. A. S. N. Cr3\A/ford. 
 
 1891. 
 
 prtntfd bt 
 
 patteeson, vance & co. 
 
 Des Moines, Iowa. 
 
COPYRIGHTED 1891, 
 
 By Mrs. A. S. N. CEAWFORD, 
 
 DES MOINES, IOWA, 
 
Pteface. 
 
 "Thinking— gives us powerful minds; 
 Loving— gives us faitliful liearts; 
 Labor— gives us strong muscles, 
 These three includes all that is valuable." 
 
 After spending the best part of my life in the 
 teachers' field, at least long enough to teach 
 about fifty-two terms of school, and enroll on 
 my books nearly one thousand different names, 
 having taught in only nine different districts, 
 of course it comes to me forcibly that I 
 might possibly do some good even now, by 
 placing before the young, a true sketch of the 
 lives of some of my pupils. I shall ever feel 
 thankful for the idea that prompted me to urge 
 all when I left them to write to me occasion- 
 ally their experience in life from time to time, 
 now I select out of these the letters which com- 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 pose this little book; many no doubt will be 
 recognized even now. I also head each letter 
 with a poem selected from my scrap-book. As 
 old age creeps on preventing me from acting in 
 that capacity, I sit with the gray hairs drop- 
 ping from my once golden ringlets, whilst I 
 wipe my glasses that I may take a better look 
 at the w^riting, figures, pictures and all the me- 
 mentoes from my flocks. At times I can not 
 restrain a hearty laugh as many sights bring 
 forcibly to my mind the many childlike re- 
 marks and acts, yet as quickly does my bosom 
 heave a sigh, for many of those hearts are 
 bursting with grief to-day. In my rummage 
 I find many relics of those days that I am loth 
 to consign to the flames. Whilst I sit and 
 mentally review my labor I feel that a school- 
 teacher's duty is a nobler work than our preach- 
 ers; our dear teachers prepare them to properly 
 accept the laws of God as presented by the min- 
 ister. The teachers work appears to me to be 
 a Divine work. Now I am a mother and a 
 widow. God only knows how I long to be again 
 at my old work. Privations stare me in the 
 face, poor health keeps my limbs quiet, but my 
 brain runs riot within its walls; and my chil- 
 
PREFACE. & 
 
 dren, too small to work, keep my heart from 
 aching. It appears that ray work was not all 
 done and Ood has taken my companion from 
 me that I may yet accomplish something alone. 
 Now as I sit here, in my ''Kansas dug-out," 
 and read of the terrible works of crime and vice, 
 I thank God that I sowed a few words of good 
 that I learn have taken root and been sent from 
 the lips of my dear ones, and spread far and 
 wide. Eeader, you do not know how happy I 
 am that the teachers are being encouraged to 
 teach the effects of stimulants and narcotics to 
 the young. To wait until our children are 
 emerging into manhood and womanhood, often 
 proves too late. We must not wait until they 
 have acquired a habit then begin work; a pre- 
 ventative is more successfully used than a cure. 
 In the name of all that Heaven holds dear, 
 teachers, do not neglect this work. In years 
 past I was teaching near Des Moines, Iowa, 
 was favored with a call from the school director, 
 a man of middle age, well dressed and the proud 
 owner of plenty of this world's goods. I shall 
 ever remember him as a man with a full pocket 
 and a room "to let" in the upper story of his 
 form; my reason for impressing him on my 
 
r> PREFACE. 
 
 memory is, he wounded my feelings, by order- 
 ing me to cease spending time (which was 
 fifteen minutes each day, ) having a general 
 talk with the children on moral and immoral 
 habits, comparing good and evil generally. He 
 told me the law did not compel me to handle 
 such subjects, and he would rather I would put 
 that time in on the branches that the law re- 
 quired me to handle. How is this, dear teach- 
 ers of our precious human jewels, that 
 we place in your care from six to eight 
 hours nearly ever}^ day, are the branches 
 they study, even though they master a long 
 list of sciences; are they really, and will 
 they eventually prove of greed benefit 
 unless they have a moral courage to fathom the 
 thoughts that present themselves to their minds, 
 regardless of popular opinion? Do we not all 
 need to thoroughly understand that continual 
 advancement is the dictation of wisdom ? To 
 elevate humanity should be the aim of all en- 
 lightened generous minds. To this good work 
 should be called every element in society. The 
 sooner these thoughts are impressed upon the 
 minds, the sooner will they take in the surround- 
 ino-s of nature, and turn the sio-ht of everv ob- 
 
PREFACE. 7 
 
 ject into food for thought. The sooner 
 will the mind be able to handle the sub- 
 jects in human nature, that are crowded thick 
 and fast around our pathway, many bad as well 
 as good. It is not all parents that take time to 
 explain, moral courage, conscientiousness and 
 the use of temper, to their childreii as they 
 should. In some manner we will all be re- 
 warded for every task. Pen cannot describe 
 the joy I feel when I clasp hands with men and 
 women (that can honesily wear that name) that 
 were once my school-children ; to see the lionesi 
 pride, virtue and integrity beaming from their 
 countenances, as they call me their "old teach- 
 er." And as I sometimes re-call their reckless 
 parents and their home- training, my heart tells 
 me I am repaid for the time I spent there in 
 sowing seed. This present age demands of us 
 to do all in our power to lift humanity back 
 from the gutter into which they are in so much 
 danger of falling. How better can it be done 
 than for us to iinite, put our "shoulder to the 
 wheel" and send from under our care those that 
 carry with them a vigorous and pleasing devel- 
 opment. We have placed before us physical, 
 mental and moral powers to work upon. We 
 
8 PREFACE. 
 
 must ask ourselves wliat results we desire from 
 those powers. Physical education should give 
 power, utility and grace. Mental education 
 must give power of thought, useful knowledge 
 and taste, whilst moral crowns our glory with 
 strength of character, useful habits of life and 
 pleasure in doing good; right here allow me to 
 say it is no small task to successfully act upon 
 the moral faculties, in a manner that will pro- 
 duce and teach moral courage; yet it must be 
 done or all our labor is lost. Then we will see 
 men and 'WO)}icii, not ladies and gentlemen, that 
 abuse one part of an education to be able to 
 mount a stump to say, ''I am master of anoth- 
 er." No, we will have those that are able to 
 wear the noble name o£ man or icomaa and sup- 
 port it too, under trials that now lead to temp- 
 tations. As I review the lives of many of my 
 pupils, my conscience appears to tell me, I 
 neglected my duty in many respects. I believe 
 it is the solemn dufy of every pareni to educate 
 their sons, to prepare them to become good 
 true and noble husbands. Their daugh- 
 ters to know and appreciate the loving and 
 divine name of wife; then and only then will 
 we have homes that are not clouded by untold 
 
PREFACE. 9 
 
 trouble, and hearts that ache under the trial of 
 keeping secret the cause of those clouds. 
 
 I trust I am pardonable if I have been quite 
 lengthy in my preface, for I have some precious 
 human jewels to educate. Besides I do feel 
 anxious for all the rising generation to be bet- 
 ter able to withstand evil temptations than the 
 present appears to be. 
 
 "Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one, 
 Have oftimes no connection, Icnowledge dwells. 
 In heails replete with thoughts of other men; 
 Wisdom in minds attentive to their own, 
 Knowledge, a rude, unprofitable mass, 
 The mere material with which wisdom builds, 
 Till smoothed and squared and fitted to its place, 
 Does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. 
 Knowledge is proud, that he knows so much; 
 Wisdom is humble that he knows no more." 
 
10 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 ADVICE, 
 
 " I must do as you do?"— Your way, I own. 
 Is a very good way; and still, 
 
 There are sometimes two straight roads to a town- 
 One over, one under the hill. 
 
 You are treading the safe and well-worn way. 
 
 That the prudent choose each time, 
 And you think me reckless and rash to-day 
 
 Because I prefer to climb. 
 
 Your path is the right one, and so is mine, 
 
 We are not like peas in a pod. 
 Compelled to lie in a certain line, 
 
 Or else he scattered abroad. 
 
 'Twere a dull, old world, methinks, my friend, 
 
 If we all went just one way. 
 Yet our paths will meet no doubt at the end, 
 
 Though they lead apart to-day. 
 
 You like the shade and I like the sun: 
 
 You like an even pace; 
 I like to mix with the throng and run, 
 
 And then rest after the race. 
 
 I like danger and storm and strife: 
 
 You like a peaceful time, 
 I like the passion and surge of life; 
 
 You like its gentle rhyme. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL KOOM. 11 
 
 Vou like buttercups pure and sweet, 
 
 And crocuses formed in snow: 
 T like the roses born of the heat. 
 
 And the red carnation's glow. 
 
 1 must live my life, not yours, my friend. 
 
 For so it was written down. 
 We must follow our given paths to the end. 
 
 But I trust we shall meet— in town. 
 
 —Ella Wheelai'. 
 
 My Trinket Box. — Here I have it spread 
 open, expecting to view^ the various tokens of 
 remembrance; here I see neckties, gloves, pins, 
 cushions, handkerchiefs, (yellow ^ and time- 
 stained,) books, vases, napkin rings, scissors, 
 perfume bottles, and various other fancy arti- 
 cles, besides a handsome qnilt. How can I for- 
 get them, how can I do otherwise, than rejoice 
 when I hear of their success in life, or weep 
 when I learn of trials and troubles surrounding 
 them. Pen is inadequate when I think of writ- 
 ing all that interests me in this box, so I will 
 only venture on a portion of my autograph and 
 picture albums. 
 
 My Autograph Album, — where so many 
 hands, that have wound their fingers through 
 my curls, have placed their names, — lies open 
 before me with the names of over one thousand 
 
12 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 children written on its pages. Among the list 
 is "Bucl," — who was hung by a mob, poor boy! 
 I remember him only as a bright affectionate 
 youth; But alas! The life I had pictured out 
 for this one of "my boys." He loved "not 
 wisely, but too well," and when jilted, imme- 
 diately all his noble loving nature turned to 
 gall. Great Heaven and A 11- wise Judge, can 
 justice on earth never be dealt out. SJie could 
 murder his mind for life, yet she had commit- 
 ted no crime, whilst he murdered her hodjj let 
 her mind go free, yet he must haug; which 
 was and ivhere was the worst murderer, and 
 murder committed? 
 
 Next below his name in large bold letters is 
 
 the name of Miss of Davenport, Iowa, 
 
 now a noted physician. Although her age is 
 creeping past forty, she yet writes her name 
 3£iss, and proud of her name am I, and 
 prouder still to know 'twas me that started her 
 in physiology long before it was "law" to teach 
 it in common schools. When I gave a few oral 
 questions, she became deeply interested, and 
 asked me questions that led to investigation. 
 May God bless her work and may she live to 
 do much more good, work. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL EOOM, V6 
 
 Now I turn to the name of prim little black- 
 eyed Hattie. How I loved that girl, yet in af- 
 ter years, her parents persuaded her to wed for 
 popularity and appearances. The consequences 
 were, she was no longer her former self, but a 
 real "married flirt" which led from bad to 
 worse, till her husband, returning home one 
 day, found one of her admirers there, instantly 
 shot him, then fled for his life. Now my once- 
 innocent petted one is in the insance asylum 
 where no doubt her days will end. 
 
 Here written upside down, in great scrawl- 
 ing^ letters, is the name of ^ionof-leTfofed, red- 
 headed" George, thus he was "dubbed" at 
 school; because he was so reckless and appar- 
 ently thoughtless. Now reader did I hear you 
 say, what need you tell about him? I simply 
 wish to say he is among our best ministers: his 
 arguments cannot be contradicted. He has led 
 many souls to Christ. To his name is linked 
 the name of another, I find here written, 'tis 
 that of Madie — a lovely sweet girl, and if such 
 a thing is possible here on earth, their home is 
 a "branch establishment of Heaven." 
 
14 UEMS AND KKLICS 
 
 Now I tind some rhymes which I will copy 
 
 ••>[>■ Lovin<>" Teach or. 
 
 Pigs love tatersv 
 
 Pigs loA^e squash. 
 And I love you. 
 I dov by gosh. 
 Joe." 
 
 ''My Dear Teacher. 
 
 When bothered by mosquitos, 
 
 Or tortured by a flea. 
 
 Then my loving teacher. 
 
 Oh. r?o remember me. 
 
 Kitty." 
 
 '•Good Old Teacher. 
 
 ^fay you but livcv 
 
 And have good times. 
 And marry the man, 
 That's got the dimes. 
 
 Jim.'* 
 
 "Our Loved Teacher. 
 
 Remember me my Dearest Friend. 
 
 As o'er these simple lines you bend: 
 It is a sign of friendship for you. 
 And in return remember 
 
 vSou." 
 
 '*Our Loyal Teacher^ 
 Good Bye! I take your hand in ming, 
 
 Oh friend and teacher, tried and true. 
 In my beings inmost shrine, 
 I make a sacred place for you, 
 
 Charlie." 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 15 
 
 For fear of getting tliis chapter monotonous, 
 I will give bat one more written by a girl that 
 has spent her life in doing good. 
 
 "Friend and Teacher, 
 How shall we act toward those who daily wound us, 
 
 And turn the-.sweets of life to bitter gall? 
 How shall we cure the evils that surround us, 
 
 Holding our pent up struggling souls in thrall. 
 Forgive the flrst and pray that they may alter, 
 
 And turn their footsteps in the better way; 
 Endure the last with faith that will not falter, 
 
 And night at last will turn to brightest day. 
 
 Your Loving Annie." 
 
 My Picture Album — Is one my own teacher 
 gave me, when ten years old, for regular attend- 
 ance. I have appropriated it to my pupils' 
 pictures, over which I very often look, recall- 
 ing the scenes and remarks of many, the death 
 and funeral of so.me, the wedding day of several, 
 the good work that many are at and the down- 
 trodden life that some are living. 
 
 In this I find the faces and forms that many 
 think farthest from beauty, have been most 
 successful in life. Here is the picture of sweet 
 little Olie that I went home with to take tea. 
 
16 GEMS AND EELICS 
 
 Not being room at tlie table for her she did not 
 come into the dining-room until just as her 
 father had finished returning thanks, then 
 she came all excitement, exposing a small object 
 she held in the little fat hand, saying, "what 
 is this thing anyway." "My child," said the 
 sedate father, "that is called a tree-toad." Very 
 earnestly she looked for a moment, and then 
 astonished all by remarking, "It's a devil of a 
 looking thing papa." 
 
 By her side is the very image of noble little 
 Fred that was dubbed coward, homely, and was 
 constantly imposed upon. At the age of six- 
 teen saved a lady, unknown to him, from a 
 watery grave. Being near an overflowing 
 stream, he urged, this lady when he saw, not to 
 attempt to cross; failing to pursnade her to 
 give it np, he saw the current was taking her 
 cart, horse and all down the stream. He rushed 
 to her rescue, saving her but losing horse and 
 cart. For this act he was rewarded, with three 
 thousand dollars. When he assured her it was 
 not for money that he acted thnsly, she replied^ 
 "The more noble the deed. All my life I have 
 spent with plenty; oh, how often have I ridi- 
 cnled clothes like vours and the wearer also. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL KOOM. 17 
 
 When I lieard your kind advice I heeded it 
 not, but did observe yonr shabby garments. I 
 now see how little good I have done in life. 
 Yet you saved me that I might yet be instru- 
 mental in doino^ some o^ood work." The note 
 that accompanied his money read thus: 
 
 *' J\Iy Dear Boy: — 
 
 My pen nor my money cannot express my 
 gratitude, yet I send you this amount that you 
 may complete your education and do all the 
 good you can. 
 
 God bless you is my prayer, 
 
 This youth is io-daij, a gray headed man, 
 traveling over the country finding homes for 
 orphans. 
 
 Of one more will I speak, and that is a black- 
 ■eyed, raven-haired, dignified missionary worker, 
 thai is now across the ocean doing successful 
 work. From reports I understand her heart is 
 in her work, her advice is sought by many 
 older heads than her own. AVhen a child she 
 was rough, rude and boyish yet every act would 
 force a smile to tlie face of the most dio-nified. 
 
18 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 Well do I remember her first day at school; 
 being in the school room alone with me at noon^ 
 I talked freely with her, as I Joved to hear her 
 speak words she could not yet master. Soon 
 she came and stood at my side by my table, 
 and asked if she could sing me a song, of course 
 I told her to do so. Thumping her little fin- 
 gers on the desk as an accompaniment, and 
 lisping too, as she rattled off the following with 
 a sweet tune, that was no doubt meant to roll 
 around far different words : 
 
 "The prettiest little girl I ever saw, 
 
 She lived in South Carolina, 
 Her red rose cheeks a d her coal black hair, 
 
 Her name was Angelina. 
 
 The very next day at my infair, 
 
 While sitting at the table, 
 She flew at me and pulled my hair, 
 
 And licked me 'cause she was able. 
 
 If ever I marry again in this world, 
 
 'Twill 'be for love or riches, 
 Tor the worst thing in this world, 
 
 Is the woman that wears the breeches." 
 
 Away down in one corner in a well tied bun- 
 dle I find a few notes I should not consider 
 right to slight; they are epistles of congratula- 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 19 
 
 tion from some o£ my pupils upon my wedded 
 life. I was a 'jolly old maid' and of course many 
 were the jokes passed over my head, and as a 
 matter of course many ol; my remarks were un- 
 earthed when it was learned I had married an 
 old gentleman, with a Bible name that I had 
 jested over. 
 
 "Cheyenne, Wyoming. 
 Mfj Beloved Teacher: 
 
 My heart is full of joy which I wish to 
 extend to you, on your new voyage. May 
 peace and happiness be with you both, and love 
 ever be the ruling power in your home. My 
 home has been so happy with love to guard it 
 that I know Heaven rejoices over a happy home. 
 I thank God that you taught your pupils what 
 true love was, also how to nourish it and keep 
 it active. May God bless you in your new 
 work, as I believe he ever did in your field of 
 labor as a teacher, yet I know you will never 
 cease to teach, for every one who comes into 
 your house will go away with some new thought. 
 Hoping to again clasp hands with you, I am 
 As ever your pupil, 
 
 ErriE." 
 
20 gems and relics. 
 
 "San Francisco, Cal, 
 Mrs. Ebenezer: 
 
 Here I am ready to hug you and your man 
 too, (if you'll let me) that I may inform you 
 that I wish you JOY. Now that you have 
 really got a man by the name of Ebenezer, how 
 do you like the name ? 
 
 Just the same 
 
 Jennie." 
 
 "St. Joseph, Mo. 
 Our Dear Old Teacher; 
 
 I learn with pleasure of your step into 
 matrimony and trust happiness may ever be 
 your lot. We had all 'booked' you as a con- 
 firmed 'old maid.' Teacher allow me to add, 
 we cannot forget the laughable manner in which 
 you used to recite the line, 
 
 "Far better be the whole of one, 
 Than just the half of two." 
 
 Yours lovingly, 
 
 Eliza." 
 
 Yankton, D. T. 
 Mrs. Ebenezer: — 
 
 Teacher ask your 'Ebenezer' if I can hug 
 you, in vay mind, only to let you know I con- 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 21 
 
 p-atnlate you on getting "an old man with a 
 
 fat pocket-book and a bad cough." Oh th 
 
 I never intended to say that, don't let him read 
 it, for fear he will really take some horrid 
 coughing trouble and end his days immediately, 
 for I would then feel bound to take care of the 
 widow the i-emainder of her days, and then 
 'gosh' who would take care of me? You and 
 Ebenezer come up and 'take tea' with me on 
 m.y homestead. 
 
 Truly yours, 
 
 Jay," 
 
22 GEMS AND KELICS 
 
 WORDS. 
 
 How great the power of a word, 
 
 'Tis such a little thing. 
 Yet it maj^ bear the sweetest thought 
 
 Or bear the sharpest sting. 
 
 Hard words are like a poisoned dart, 
 That brings sharp pains to him that hears, 
 
 And rankles deep within the heart, 
 And makes a wound unhealed by years. 
 
 A careless, thoughtless word is like 
 A wanton arrow by an archer shot, 
 
 Be it a hard one it were better far 
 Had it remained unspoken thought. 
 
 Kind, gentle spoken words have power 
 That only wounded spirits know. 
 
 And fall upon the cold, hard heart, 
 Like sunshine falling upon snow. 
 
 If we would keep the cruel words 
 
 And only let the kind ones go, 
 'Twould save us much regret and tears, 
 
 Much of the sorrow we now know. 
 
 If to the friends who toil for us, 
 We would more oft and gently speak, 
 
 We might receive the peace we prize, 
 The happiness for which we seek. 
 
 — MoUifTAINEER. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 23 
 
 To the readers of this little hoolc: 
 
 I have just learned that my dear old teach- 
 er and my best friend, is remembering her 
 faithful work and her dear children, by '-writing 
 us up." Yet I doubt if there be one that has 
 ever forgotten her; it appears to me impossible 
 that any can live and not every day have occa- 
 sion to bring to the front some of the noble 
 ideas of courage, patience, honor and duty, that 
 she has taught us. I do not wish to speak 
 harshly of my father and mother, but to tell 
 the truth, / was used roughly at home as well 
 as my brothers and sisters. Besides I had a 
 very annoying gift from nature, in the shspe of 
 what is called a harelip, of the very worst form; 
 so that it was impossible for me to speak any 
 words distinct Thus at fchool I was the 
 "laughing stock." Many times my temper 
 grew to a tempest and my strength enabled me 
 to handle most of my antagonists. The winter 
 I was fifteen a man taught, and I had frequent- 
 ly been told, "The big teacher will fix you this 
 term." Yes, he tried to "do" me one day. A 
 reward was offered on headmarks; my worst 
 enemy stood below and next to me. I spelled 
 my w^ord, I know, correctly, my enemy vowed I 
 
24 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 did not, and attempted to go above me. I 
 could not make the teacher understand one 
 word, and when he tried to get me forward to 
 use the whip he had had cut and dric^d for some 
 time, my temper knew no bounds, I seized the 
 iron stove- [)oker and "[)oked'' him one, then held 
 the rest at bay with my weapon until I could 
 get out of their way. I was then turned out of 
 school. I teas a good reader and speller but 
 none knew it. I very seldom missed a word, 
 and my memory appeared to be my only friend. 
 Here I was out in a lonely country, friendless, 
 and with a craving mind, no money to do with 
 and parents that seemed to think work is all he 
 can do, and that must all be done with his 
 muscle. Thus when the first of May brought 
 our "little school-ma' m'' into our school. I was 
 persuaded to throw my hat when we were called 
 in, up near to her to see what the consequences 
 would be. She only raised her eyes to see 
 from whom it came. She did not sit down as 
 was the custom in the "big chair," but j)ut my 
 hat there instead, then smilingly remarked: 
 "Now children let us see who can have the best 
 lessons." Next she is walking down the aisle to 
 me and laying her hand on my shoulder, (I 
 
OF THE SCHOOL EOOM. 25 
 
 can never forget that touch) she asked to look 
 at my books. I produced my history with my 
 other books. "Now," said she as she raised 
 my hair up from my forehead, ''you have a 
 good memory, with plenty of brains to back it, 
 and tho3e blue eye^ seem to be able to help 
 you store up worlds of knowledge, and I hope 
 you will try to remember all the good things I 
 tell you." Do I remember all? Yes, God 
 bless her, every word, and above all do I re- 
 member, that I became a new boy, wdiilst she 
 stood by my side with her fingers in my hair, 
 and well do I remember that I was not the only 
 one to wipe my eyes as she went back to the 
 table. She kindly released me from reading 
 aloud, all history, spelling, etc., was written 
 which gave me equal rights. When she found 
 I could use my pen quite naturally, she depend- 
 ed on me for an essay which she read to the 
 school. My last day essay, I selected for a 
 subject "Our Teacher;" she did not read this 
 without wiping a few tears from her eyes, as 
 did every one present. The school-board who 
 were present, then and tl e;e engaged her for 
 the winter term which was followed with three 
 more terms. I went every day and with her 
 
26 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 did my scliool-days end, but I liave tried to im^ 
 prove every spare moment, as she told me at 
 parting. To-day as I sit with pen in hand I 
 can feel her hand on my shonlder as she bid 
 me "God-speed'' at parting. I cannot close 
 this without repeating her last talk with me; 
 how kindly did she avoid giving me reason to an- 
 swer only with yes, or no; as this would perhaps 
 be our last talk, she seemed to know this was 
 why I was waiting to see her alone. She laid 
 her hand on my arm and drew^ me aside; "By- 
 ron, I hope you will lose no time in getting a 
 position in a printing office where you can use 
 your talent, and soon earn enough to go off and 
 get your mouth and lip fixed, so you will be 
 ready for a grand work ; be brave, control your 
 temper, and do not stoop to fight or quarrel 
 with anyone." May God's choicest blessings 
 go with her, for twenty years have flown since 
 her hand rested on my shoulder for the last 
 
 time, and I have been to C , got my mouth 
 
 and lip fixed, have a lovely mustache, (so my 
 sweet wife says,) have delivered a number of 
 lectures that have become famous, and now have 
 settled down in the editor's chair, and enjoy 
 the profits from a large circulation of the — 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 27 
 
 ■ , and I believe I owe my success to 
 
 her ''kind words." I enjoy my home if my 
 wife does say she has a notion to be jealous of 
 the "little school-ma'am" that I alicays remem- 
 bered in my prayers. 
 
 Her pupil, 
 
 Byron. 
 
 I must add here, I have not a child among 
 all my 'flock' that I remember with more inter- 
 est than the author of the above. I had to beg 
 to persuade the school-board to let "Such a lit- 
 tle mite of a one teach our school and try to 
 
 handle that harelip d ." I stated, I had 
 
 heard of their trouble was why I wanted the 
 school. I succeeded, you see how well, and 
 when I received the above letter, I wept tears 
 of joy to know the monument I built there w-as 
 not all washed away from memory's fountain. 
 I read his paper monthly, have read all his lec- 
 tures; he is a good reasoner, and sincere in his 
 christian work. 
 
 "The Lord helps those who help themselves." 
 
28 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 A Throng of Women who had Served the Lord. 
 
 FRANCIS EKIX ALLISON. 
 
 A throng" of women who had served the Lord 
 Waited hefore heaven's gate for their reward. 
 
 Each sliining soul had her fair record hroiiglit 
 Of glorious service for the master wrought. 
 
 One gentle one wlio^e life was full and long 
 With her great pen had slain a giant wrong. 
 
 With starving children this one's life was spent; 
 To nameless outcasts hope that presence lent; 
 
 For dwarfed and stunted souls these labored well, 
 And left lov's blessings in the prison cell. 
 
 For poor humanity and for the lost 
 
 They gave their lives and counted not the cost. 
 
 O! they were bright and beautiful to see! 
 Earth's fame had crowned them e'ertheir souls were 
 free. 
 
 But one there was who lone and trembling stood 
 Among the throng of great and good, 
 
 To whom, the recording angel speaking said, 
 '•What dost thou here among the blessed dead 
 
 Bearing no record? Hast thou nothing done 
 
 On earth where these their crowns of glory won?" 
 
OF THE SCHOOL EOOM. 29 
 
 To whom, she, weeping s:iid, "Let me return 
 To that dear earth for which I sorely yearn; 
 
 The hearts that loved me all my service bought 
 Not any service for the Lord I wrought. 
 
 Life was too short for me; when death had come 
 I had but made on earth a happy home." 
 
 "Ahl sayst thou so! thou well beloved and blest! 
 Daughter of heaven, go in among the rest. 
 
 The hearts that lovecl thee thou shalt have again; 
 None may return, but thou shalt Icse thy pain. 
 
 For thou shalt breathe in heaven to native air 
 And its glorious mansions great and fair 
 
 To thee familiar all its joys shall come; 
 Heaven is what thou hast left, a happy home. 
 
 Toledo, Ohio. 
 Dear TeacJicr: — I recently heard of your new 
 location in the far west. I was glad to hear 
 that your health is better. To-day, in momory, 
 I live again my school -days. I send you my 
 kindest salutation and greet you again as my 
 teacher, and it gives me much pleasure to ac- 
 knowledge the great debt of gratitude we owe 
 to those who so kindly led us along through 
 childhood's winding pathway, and U[) the rocky 
 heights of learning. Associated with those 
 hap»;)y hours are also the pleasant memories of 
 
30 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 our early home. Here we can heartily endorse 
 what the poet has written: 
 
 "The hills are dearest which our childish feet 
 Have climbed; and the streams most sweet 
 
 Are even those at which our young lives drank, 
 Stooped to their waters' o'er the gray bank. 
 
 Since you left us ray life, I think, has been, 
 on the whole, a success. I have found that we 
 are truly our own 'architects,' and that good in- 
 fluences are strong anchors for the right. The 
 world is a great mountain sending back to us 
 an echo of the most pleasing sounds of mankind 
 and nature ; but if we are wrong ourselves the 
 echoes are discordant and grating. I am en- 
 deavoring, as I go through life, to plant seeds 
 that may produce fruit, after this body is food 
 for motlier earth. Always I remember how 
 kindly you taught us of the words of Paul : 
 "Be ye temperate in all things." At present 
 when the various issues are before us, I hardly 
 feel able to keep my pen still. Much, oh so 
 much has been said on temperance, ^ esides the 
 money, blood and lives that have h m wasted. 
 And when all is counted up, wliLt is tem- 
 perance, but the controlling of all our powers? 
 Would it then be temperance we were teaching, 
 
OF THE SCHOOL KOOM. iM 
 
 for US to say ncrer touch alcoholic stimulants, 
 yet allow the suspicious, jealous temper, of that 
 pupil to run riot over all the remainder of his 
 mind and nature? Can not the fathers, moth- 
 'ers. teachers, and yes. our pi-cachcrs too, see 
 that there is as much trouble caused by the 
 different forms of uncontrollable temper as has 
 t?ver been caused by ''King Alcohol," in a pri- 
 vate family. 
 
 Were I to take tim-e and space I could name, 
 many under my own observation, that never 
 drank cunj beverages, yet committed crimes 
 and wrongs that many a sot would scorn to 
 think of doing. Many, oh so many, that are 
 called christian, temperance men, and women, 
 see every day, abused homes, the }X3or, trodden 
 under foot by the rich, that are drimk on the 
 love of wealth and popularity. This is why we 
 need the moral power brought out more forci- 
 bly and taught to live closer to Ood in 'dittle 
 things." Yes, ''Be ye faithful over little and I 
 will mak'e you ruler over much," is a command- 
 ment with a promise which will ap[)ly to (ill 
 phases of life, and by guarding faithfully what 
 influence we have, no doubt our our power will 
 be strentJ-theued. We ha\'e no riudit to desiroy 
 
m 
 
 32 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 or injure ourselves mentally or physically, eith- 
 er by gluttony, indulgence or by rash exertion. 
 To do this is a sin against the laws of nature 
 and our God. The command is, ''Thou shalt 
 love thy neighbor as thyself." If we do not 
 love ourselves and take proper care of ourselves, 
 we have no guide by which to regulate our love 
 for others. This is not selfishness, to first love 
 ourselves in order to know how to love others, it 
 is self-preservation which is the first law of na- 
 ture implanted in the very structure of man. 
 Here I must tell you of a noted temperance 
 lecturer, that came here to speak. I was well 
 pleased with her lecture and took her with me 
 to my boarding place, which was a home in the 
 true sense of the word. After breakfast a little 
 boy, I had petted a great deal, ran up to me to 
 get his hair curled. My guest looked on for a 
 moment, then remarked, "How nice for him to 
 be willing to wash and comb, mfj boy is older 
 and will not wash or comb, but prefers to go so 
 dirty and is so hateful, then, (with a toss of 
 her head) I don't like to bother with him. I 
 never can love him anyway as I would if it was 
 girl." She was much older than I, had on the 
 end of her tonsfue the history of many abused 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. -53 
 
 1-liildreii by a druukeii fatlier and mother, 
 could tell of the effects of alcohol stimulants 
 upon the stomach. For once I bit my lips to 
 keep my tongue quiet, yet I wondered if she 
 could tell the effects upon home and family for 
 R mother to get so drank on love of fame, as to, 
 not only neglcci home but omit the love she 
 should give her son. She is still lecturing, is 
 considered a good woman, gets pay from the 
 pnhlic funds. I firmly believe the only frue 
 temperance platform is self-control and moral 
 courage, and if it is properly taught in every 
 family, school and church, then, and only then 
 will "King Alcohol," cease to have a demand. 
 
 Trusting that I have not been tiresome, and 
 that my words may bring to you^somc pleasant 
 ideas to think over, I remain, 
 
 Yours sincerely. 
 
 Eva, 
 
'64, GEMS AND KELIC 
 
 Tve Made a Foof of Myself. 
 
 Breathps there a fliarf upm the earth< 
 Who has not, sometime since his birth. - 
 Exclaimetl in accents, far from mirth. 
 ''I've made a fool of myself." 
 
 Not that he cries it forth aloud, 
 Nor in the center of life's crowd, 
 But to himself it is aA^owed — 
 
 "'I've made a fool of myself."' 
 
 It may have been among' the girls, 
 While in the dances giddy whirls, 
 Among the wealth of fashion's pearls— 
 ''I've made a fool of myself." 
 
 Or IK the gravcT walks of life. 
 While mingling in some greater stritev 
 When plans- of gain, not love, were rife— - 
 'vi've made a fool of myself/' 
 
 £n love or gsein, peace or war,, 
 in musing of life's battle o'er. 
 We must exclaim, with memor.\' scjfrc— 
 "I've made a fool of ntyself." 
 
 Kxperiences ever teaches best: 
 So let the memory stir the breiist 
 ThM time to come may not suggest — 
 "I've ujuidea I'ool of myself.'" 
 
 — P.Y JjiAN PlEKKE. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL T.OOM. -jO 
 
 I shall now give you a few letters from one 
 "Patt," this first a letter he wrote when nine 
 years old, when asked, at school, to compose a 
 letter to whom he pleased. Of this child, can 
 truthfully be said, his mind was not all hilarity 
 he was bright in school, if any hurt or 
 in trouble he was the first to render aid, yet a 
 fecise among his playmates; of course if he 
 should ever read these lines he will recognize 
 his words, and I trust pardon me for unearth- 
 ing them. At present he is a man of wealth 
 living in Detroit, Mich. A lovely wife, son and 
 daughter adorn his home. He never meets 
 trouble half way, or piles up atoms to form 
 mounds to look at. These letters were all 
 written to me whilst he was yet a boy. 
 
 '•Up stairs in the garret. 
 Dear sister and fellow-citizens. I will take my 
 pen in hand for this great, glorious, notorious, 
 victorious, and explorible union of thirtv-three 
 states and seven territories, and the District of 
 Columbia, and will also include Central Park 
 and Staten Island, to let you know" I am nine 
 years old to-morrow. I like my school if I do 
 have to give the teacher a few 'obstructions' 
 
36 GEMS AND RELICS. 
 
 occasionally. I am getting sleepy, I must 
 close. AVrite soon and quick to 
 
 Patt.'^ 
 
 "Omaha, Nebraska. 
 Dear Old Teachei^: 
 
 My mother and sisters have jnst been tell- 
 ing me of all my old tricks, so I believe I will 
 tell you. You once told us if we ever had any 
 trouble, to write and tell you all. As I have 
 no hopes of ever stealing anything or getting 
 hung so I could tell about it, or even breaking 
 any pretty girl's heart, (for I can't get a mus- 
 tache to grow, I shall have to tell of the trials 
 and troubles I helped my sweet little sister 
 into. The thing she threw" into my face was 
 turning the saddle around on her fellow's horse 
 whilst he was in talking to her. I guess he 
 has never got turned around for he was yet on 
 a western route when last heard of and sister 
 is yet for market. Then they had to tell me of 
 offering to carry a lady across a slough, after 
 taking sister across. I think that was gener- 
 ous, don't you ? I got very wet and muddy 
 but wanted to save her good clothes and shoes 
 she was so worried about; alas! that's not all, I 
 
or THE SCHOOL ROOM. 37 
 
 fell down with my cargo. She should have 
 told me the truth about her age and weight 
 before we started 
 
 If I did bring a toad wrapped up nicely, 
 and give to sister to unwrap, she need not have 
 jumped, for the toad jumped. She needed me 
 though sometimes, for her new fellow^ came a 
 horseback, and put his muddy horse in the 
 barn, and I was sent to care for it, and partic- 
 ularly to curry it. I did, but I wrote a note 
 and tied to its tail, telling him how to put up a 
 horse's tail. And then she acted afraid of me, 
 yet as she told me of asking her to get a string 
 out of my pocket to tie around my sore finger 
 where I had a rag wrapped, and was holding 
 with both hands, of course she flew to aid me, 
 but finding mice instead of string, she jumped 
 into the cream jar, and then on to a chair. I 
 don't know what they said then, for I wasn't 
 there. Now teacher, I am ''Tired and sleepy, 
 too," so I will say Good Night. 
 
 Remember me in your prayers and I will 
 you. 
 
 Patt." 
 
8S OEMS AND RELirS 
 
 Oniriha, Neb, 
 Kind Old Trachcr: 
 
 Here I am again, this time with a "Trou- 
 ble on the mind," as my old song used to say. 
 I have a good sized mustache now, about long 
 enough to pull and bite, whenever I see some- 
 thing at which I wish to laugh, and propriety 
 forbids, and I find it quite convenient, too. 
 Now as to my trouble. A very wealthy old 
 couple here, has a very handsome daughter, 
 that fell in love with me, or I fJtoiigId she did, 
 so I fell in all over and loved her fit to kill. I 
 spent no time with other girls for I thought no 
 others worthy of a moment's thought. Now, 
 to cut my story short, (for my heart kind 'o 
 thumps up against my vest pocket,) a rich 
 young Colonel came into our circle of friends, 
 and a short time after his appearance I received 
 the following 'love letter is it? 
 
 ''Friend Patt; After considering the differ- 
 ence in our social standing, and you without a 
 title, I deem it prudent to cancel oar engage- 
 ment. Hoping you may find a heart and hand 
 that are your equal, I am yet your friend, 
 
 LiLLIE." 
 
 I read tliis. of course I did, then read it 
 
OF THE SCHOOL TiOOM. 39 
 
 ao^aiii, to be sure I was correct. I did not 
 walk the floor, or get on a drunk as so many 
 do, we read about, I went to my writing desk 
 and wrote this note: 
 
 "Miss Lillie. I thank you for being honor- 
 able enough to own our unequality. If I had 
 a title it would not improve my heart and soul. 
 Hoping you may wed a iiilc with a bank hang- 
 ing to it. I still remain your friend, 
 
 Patt." 
 
 Was that a bad letter for me to write or 
 should I have left a tear on the note, and told 
 her my heart bumped up and down and refused 
 to be quieted? I rather believe now, that I 
 was quite lucky to get off so w^ell. Now, if you 
 know of a girl that wants a man and not a title, 
 tell them I am here and free. If ever make a 
 fool of myself again, I'll let you know. 
 
 Good bye, Patt. 
 
40 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 TWO SINNERS. 
 
 There was a man, it is said, one time, 
 
 Wlio went astray in liis youthful prime. 
 
 Can the brain Iveep cool and the heart keep quiet 
 
 When the blood is a river that's running riotV 
 
 And boys will be boys, the old folks say, 
 
 And the man is better who's had his day. 
 
 The sinner reformed, and the preacher told 
 Of the prodigal son who came back to the fold. 
 And the christian people threw open the door 
 With a warmer welcome than ever before. 
 Wealth and honor were to his command, 
 And a spotless woman gave him her hand. 
 
 And the world strewed their pathway with flow- 
 ers abloom. 
 
 Crying, "God bless the ladye and God bless the 
 groom." 
 
 There was a maiden who went astray 
 
 In the golden dawn of her life's young day. 
 
 She had more passion and heart than head. 
 
 And she followed blindly where fond Love led. 
 
 And love unchecked is a dangerous guide 
 
 To wander at will by a fair girl's side. 
 
 The woman repented and turned from sin: 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 41 
 
 But no door opened to let her in. 
 
 The preacher prayed that she might be forgiven. 
 
 But told her to look for mercy — in heaven; 
 
 For this is the law of the earth we know, 
 
 That the woman is stoned while the man may 
 
 go. 
 A brave man wedded her after all; 
 But the world said, frowning, ''we shall not 
 
 call." — Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 
 
 Cheyenne, Wyoming. 
 Kmd Old Teacher: 
 
 After learning that you wish a word of 
 trials or triumphs, as the case may be, from 
 your old pupils, I will give you both in my ex- 
 perience. Doubtless you remember me as a 
 very tender hearted girl, my delight in aiding 
 others and promoting their happiness amount- 
 ed to a fault, yet no one ever checked my error. 
 I appeared to forget any duty whatever to 
 self, and live only to enjoy seeing others happy. 
 All appeared to love me. I was early taught 
 to give up my will and opinion to others, and 
 to yield all playthings without a cry or frown. 
 I cannot think that proper teaching, for so 
 many are brought to bear slander, scorn and 
 shame by allowing the heart's feelings to con- 
 troll the mind too much, yet I truly believe 
 
42 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 that the abstract good of the world owes more 
 to the impulsive sympathy, than to the natural 
 tendencies of human nature. 
 
 Dear Teacher is it right to compel our chil- 
 dren to yield their will to older ones ? Is it right 
 to make them yield their judgment to others for 
 propriety sake? In doing this do we not pre- 
 pare their minds to yield" readily and be per- 
 suaded from their better judgment? I be- 
 lieve many a mind that have been of more 
 real worth to themselves and friends, 
 had they even appeared reckless, has been 
 bent to yield to the feelings of the heart 
 and can now like myself say "I've made a fool 
 of myself." I have a mind that can compre- 
 hend between right and wrong, yet how often 
 has this heart of mine led me astray, from that 
 that which was to my best interest. To illus- 
 trate to you, what I can sit and cry over to- 
 day, if I do not keep hands, feet, mind and 
 heart all hiisij, I will tell you as briefly as pos- 
 sible, then want you to say if I am a fool or 
 have I only let my heart get away with my 
 head? I of course had much confidence in 
 human nature. As I budded into womanhood, 
 mv father and motlier were both taken from 
 
01' THE HCMOOL liOOM. 4:6 
 
 me. and the friends that I thought best, loved 
 me only to take advantage of my extreme 
 benevolent disposition, and I was soon led 
 astray. Oh, my friend, I have paid the penal- 
 ty, if suffering in mind can do it. Nine years 
 ago a man met me and in time offered me his 
 heart and fortune. I dared not say yes, or no, 
 my feelings were intense when pressed for an 
 explanation, I urged him to go and I would 
 write all. I wrote a truthful account of my 
 error and sent it to him. After reading it care- 
 fully he came direct to me, to tell me my error 
 was forgiven when I was honest enough to 
 give a true statement, he would aid me in mak- 
 ing amends. We have truly lived a happy 
 life together; a handsome boy has blessed our 
 union, I shall endeaver to teach him to be an 
 honorable friend, or not profess to be a friend 
 at all. Trusting I may yet accomplish some 
 ^ood in this life I shall still continue to fiofht 
 deceit. Truly yours, 
 
 Sarah, 
 
44 OEMS AND HELIOS 
 
 IVIAKE SOMEBODY GLAD- 
 
 On life's rugged road, 
 
 As we journey each day, 
 Far, far more of sunshine, 
 
 Would brighten the way, 
 If, forgetful of self 
 
 And our troubles, we had 
 The will and would try. 
 
 To make other hearts glad. 
 
 Though of the workVs wealth 
 
 We've little in store. 
 And labor to l^eep 
 
 Grim want from the door. 
 With a hand that is kind. 
 
 And a heart that is true. 
 To make others glad. 
 
 There is much we may do. 
 
 A word kindly spoken, 
 
 A smile or a tear 
 Though seeming but trifles. 
 
 Full often may cheer. 
 Each day to our lives. 
 
 Some pleasure 'twould add. 
 To be conscious that we 
 
 Had made somebody glad. 
 
OV THE SCHOOL KOOM. 45 
 
 Those who sit in the darkness 
 
 Of sorrow so drear, 
 Have need of a word 
 
 Of solace and cheer, 
 There are homes that are desohite, 
 
 Hearts that are sad — 
 Do something for some one, 
 
 Make somebody glad. 
 
 My School I taught in the west. 
 Dear Old Teacher: 
 
 Yes, I did reach the goal of my ambition, 
 and "was recognized as a "school-ma'am"; and 
 now believe will give you my experience wdtli a 
 school that from various reasons, is brought to 
 my mind daily. Any one stepping out from 
 very formula society, into a new country, where 
 every one appears ready to enjoy whatever may 
 present itself, for either amusement or cultiva- 
 tion of the mind, can see at a glance how free 
 I breathed, when I closed a city school and was 
 whirled over prairie roads for eighty miles, 
 alighting at a neat country school-house, where 
 I was to teach for four months. I had selected 
 this as an airing and recruit from city work, 
 whilst at the same time my "purse would not grow 
 lean." You teachers of graded schools in the 
 
40 K^KM'6 AND KELIOS 
 
 city may ask, did you enjoy it? Yes, 1 un- 
 doubtedly did, and today can recall no more 
 kind and pleasant term of school. The homes 
 of all were made comfortable and all who en- 
 tered them were made welcome. My school 
 consisted of twenty-seven pupils ranging from 
 twelve to twenty years of age. All wished 
 to have a 'Literary Society' organized, which 
 we did, to meet every Saturday eve at seven 
 o'clock. Standing up on a hill and looking 
 aTound you could not see where so many peo- 
 ple came from, as would crowd that school 
 house every Saturday eve, for there were fifty- 
 two members, old and young, enrolled on that 
 list; but when you would ride around over the 
 prairie and see into the hillsides where cosy 
 "dugouts" were fitted up, then you could see 
 where and why so many came out and took 
 such earnest interest in all mental work and es- 
 pecially anything that would benefit their 
 children. The interest in that school and lit- 
 ararj I can never forget. Our paper that was 
 read each eve was considered by many better 
 than the county paper, and well do I remember 
 the look the editor of the county j)aper, who one 
 eve honored us with his presence,gave the editor 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 47 
 
 'of our ''Every Saturday Night," as he read 
 ^mong the list of prizes for subscribers to onr 
 
 paper, -'A life-size tintype of our Hon. 
 
 editor of __ -_ /' Many were the jokes 
 
 that were cracked, the dreams some had 
 overheard, the love-letters that were supposed 
 to be lost, boys advertised lost if any failed to 
 return home after the society closed. There 
 was no church, not ever a preacher in that lo- 
 cality, and only an occasional sermon was 
 heard, to which all came and listened to atten- 
 tively. Thus good will prevailed throughout 
 the entire neighborhood, and everything was 
 enjoyed by all. Of course, I with the rest- 
 needs must take my share, so right here (of 
 course I am pardonable foi- speaking for self) 
 1 must tell you there was one young man who 
 had grown quite famous in that locality as a 
 poet, and on every occasion that offered would 
 put before the society a joke in the form of 
 poetry. As Christmas drew near, a tree for 
 that occasion was next in order. The nearest 
 town where the necessary articles could 
 be procured was twenty-live miles. X lady 
 teacher in the next district and myself were 
 delegated to go with a young man wlio Ijad n 
 
48 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 team, to this town to procure the many articles 
 that the neighborhood generally wished to pur- 
 chase, (and they trusted me with their money 
 too, to get the expected preacher a cap, that he 
 failed to get on account of his taking a sudden 
 notion to run off with another man's best girl, 
 however it was none of "our set,") for their lit- 
 tle ones and friends. We prepared ourselves and 
 was in readiness ere daylight shone to allow us 
 to see our escort or the team he drove. The 
 poem which greeted our ears at the next meet- 
 ing of the society, will explain the rest, which' 
 ran as follows, except the names I will omit: 
 
 "It was five o'clock on Christmas day, 
 
 The day we won't forget. 
 When Mr started for city 
 
 vSome Christmas toys to -get. 
 
 The roads they were so very rougli, 
 
 And his purse it was so slim 
 So and Miss , 
 
 Agreed to go with liim. 
 
 At Ave o'clock ^Ir. arrived, 
 
 At the girls to meet. 
 
 He sat them in the wagon bed 
 
 Because he had no seat. 
 
 Then swiftly o'er the prairie tlew 
 The (Christmas toys to get, 
 
 I 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 49 
 
 While 's voice hoarse and hoarser grew 
 
 By yelling'at old •'Bet." 
 
 Very soon they saw a sheet of ice 
 
 Mr, got up to yell. 
 
 But when '"Bet" got upon the ice. 
 
 Upon her side she fell. 
 
 Mr. — jumped out as quick as life 
 
 The horses soon he parted. 
 But it took him just about one hour 
 
 To get her up and started. 
 
 At noon in the city he did arrive 
 
 At 's they were stopping, 
 
 Mr. stopped for his dinner there. 
 
 But the girls went out a shopping. 
 
 At two o'clock the girs returned 
 With their shopping they were through. 
 
 And as Mr. his dinner had 
 
 He was ready for to go. 
 
 So "Prince" and ''Bet" he fetched around, 
 While the girls grew thin and thinner. 
 
 The reason that they looked so slim 
 Was because they had no dinner.'" 
 
 With true regret I closed this school, all my 
 pupils had made fine progress in their studies, 
 and all appeared to be so amiable and such gen- 
 eral good feeling throughout the neighbor- 
 hood that indeed I was loth to leave it. Above 
 all my gratitude was called forth when, ^the 
 
50 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 loads of wholesome ivell cooked supply for the 
 union dinner table, the last day of school, was 
 brought oat, and the many patrons and friends 
 of the school came in to help "devour" it, as 
 well as to enjoy the exercises of the school. 
 Yes, I have used "devour" in the proper place, 
 for a hre near noon called all the men and boys 
 out on duty, and of course after near two hours 
 "fire-lighting," they were ready to "devour" the 
 roasted ham and beef in a manner that proved 
 to the cooks, that it was appreciated. One old 
 gentleman I remember, remarked, "This is the 
 busiest crowd I have been in for some time." 
 We were always busy, in school they all worked 
 to excell, at playtime all worked, at home our 
 minds were busy preparing some amusements, 
 or our thoughts to be brought out before all 
 Saturday eve. I can look back over that 
 happy winter without a regret of a single mo- 
 ment spent there. Also the closing meeting of 
 the society were extra well attended and our 
 poet brought forth another poem, which was 
 well directed at me, and brought forth applause 
 while all eyes were on me, through a grand 
 mistake, not and intentiofial wrong, a blunder 
 was made which the poem comically narrates. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 51 
 
 'Twas last Wednesday night, and I shall not forget, 
 'Tis fresh in my mind, for I think of it yet; 
 When I spoke to a schoolmam to take a sleighride, 
 For she looked so content, while she sat by my side. 
 
 Slie consented, of course, to what I did say; 
 If the w^eather was rough, time passed pleasantly. 
 We amused ourselves with chatting and song. 
 When she did propose to take a driver along. 
 
 1 consented to this, I thought it best too; 
 Then started for home my chores for to do; 
 My heart though 'twas small, did fearfully burn, 
 Over the sleigh ride we'd have upon my return. 
 
 I did up my chores and dressed in my best. 
 And started to see her, that is with a zest. 
 Thinking how pleasant 'twould be to have a sleigh- 
 ride. 
 With a nice little schoolmam to sit by my side. 
 
 When 1 came to the house, my voice it was hoarse; 
 1 called for the school ma'om, 'twas right to. of 
 
 course, 
 I called for the maiden until I was worse. 
 When they informed me, she had gone with the 
 
 driver, of course. 
 
 And now my kind friends, I'm most through with 
 
 my song. 
 But where I did right or where I did wrong. 
 This conclusion I've come to, I'll sing in my song, 
 I'll never more consent to take a driver along. 
 
 Aud now all young men, as you journey thrf)Ugh life. 
 And look for a partner, to lake for a wife. 
 
52 GEMS AND RELIOe 
 
 Keep away from the schoolmams. that is if you 
 can, 
 
 For they're apt to run off with some other young- 
 man. 
 
 I do not intend a "seqiiaF' to this, but I feel 
 that I must state, I was passing through that 
 country ten years after, and called "to see the 
 folks." I soon learned most all my dear old 
 friends had joined various creeds or churches, 
 and were at variance; some had concluded they 
 were too good to associate with others. I w^as 
 glad to step out and reflect if it was not best 
 to enjoy everything as it came, as we did all 
 iogetJier, or was it best to hunt for each other's 
 fault's and attempt to lead them in our path. 
 God says, "All things work together for good 
 to those who love the Lord." 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 53 
 
 The Rent Within The Cloud. 
 
 In our darkest hour of trouble 
 
 When the skj^ is clouded o'er, 
 And the deepest waves of anguish 
 
 Beat loud upon the shore, 
 Oh, what would be our solace, 
 
 When to earth, with grief, we're bowed, 
 If we I could not see so surely 
 
 The rent within the cloud? 
 
 When our friend we loved so dearly 
 
 Proves as false as traitors old; 
 When all joy seems but a mockery. 
 
 And that proves dross which we thought gold; 
 Before we pause to fret or murmer, 
 
 At adverse billows surging loud. 
 We should cast our eyes to heaven 
 
 And see the rent within the cloud. 
 
 For 'tis always there my readers. 
 
 Though a film may it o'ercast; 
 Yet one transient gleam of sunlight 
 
 Makes the whole seem bright at last, 
 Showing through the frowning darkness, 
 
 The silver lining of the cloud; 
 Therefore never pine nor languish, 
 
 There's rent within the cloud. 
 
 — Ola Reed M'Citktstte. 
 
54- gems and relics 
 
 Baker City, Oregon, 
 Mjj dear Old Teacher: 
 
 Last year I got so distracted teaching a 
 term in Mo., that I rushed off to the mountains 
 to recruit my nerves; and bless your heart, I 
 rushed right into a loving husband's arms, and 
 am truly glad to say 'quit' the "school ma'am's''^ 
 work. Now to begin with, the first day of my 
 school in Mo. was a rainy, dull day, toward 
 ]ioon I had a caller, whose name I did not 
 know, but there he stood in the door, with 
 pants, or rather overalls rolled up to his knees, 
 barefooted, a 'checked shirt' and a large straw 
 hat, wet from the "drizzling" rain. As I in- 
 vited him to a seat, he remarked, "It rained to- 
 day so I coidd not plow, so I thought I'de come 
 over and get acquainted." Oh, no, if you are 
 a schoolma'am you dare not laugh under such 
 circumstances, especially when you don't know 
 but it is a brother to some of your fl,ock, and 
 sure enough at noon up rushed Anna to say, 
 "That is my brother did you know it?" 
 
 The next week I received the following note : 
 
 "Miss I set myself down to drop you 
 
 a few lines, to inquire if you want to goe to the 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 55 
 
 circuss or not, I hearii there is to bee one at 
 
 next Saterdy, if you want to goe, if you 
 
 will goe with me, and if you want to goe at knight 
 or in the day time, you must be sure to croe, 
 
 Myhon Myers. 
 yoa must goe if you can." 
 
 Of course I never replied, for I did not sup- 
 pose he would know what my note meant "goe" 
 or stay; at any rate I never heard from him 
 again, My next excitement was three families 
 of children came to school all on the "war- 
 path". A little investigation proved the moth- 
 ers had been having a real Jiglit over a spool 
 of thread, that had been borrowed by one and 
 loaned to another. Thus that little spool of 
 thread kept the battle raging, whilst the men 
 were rushing to the battle field from the corn- 
 fields. Now such a time as I did have with 
 those children, to get them to stand or sit near 
 each other to recite or play, and forget it was 
 not themselves did the "fight". Yet I did by 
 telling them of the love Jesus bore his enemies, 
 succeed in doing much good and I believe left 
 in their minds the germ of several truths that 
 have, or will be productive of much good to 
 
56 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 them in mature years. Now, I have an invite 
 to a quilting, of course I go, as all the ladies 
 where I board are going, and I want to see the 
 "fun." An old maid on the shady side of life 
 is there with all her "billafiickaties," I mean 
 her trials and troubles, her diseases, pains and 
 fruitless effort to cure. Now teacher, was I 
 naughty? Say no, for it was so "funny" to tell 
 of some one I knew being thus and this and 
 that way afflicted and hear her every time re- 
 peat, "That's just the way with me." Of course 
 I did not laugh with my lips and the old ladies' 
 pride would not allow her to wear glasses, so 
 she could see very accurately, (my husband has 
 read this and says he hopes the old girl got 
 well before she "turned up her toes.) No men 
 were admitted at this quilting; yes one young 
 fellow did come and put his head in at the 
 door, and not looking at the hostess, but rolling 
 his eyes rapidly from one face to another asked 
 her, if she could lend "mam some salt." I saw 
 him but a moment yet me thinks I see him 
 still." A few weeks after one of the children 
 handed me a sealed envelope with my name 
 flourished on it. It read tliusly: 
 
OF THE SCHOOL llOOM. 57 
 
 "Miss 
 
 I seat myself to write you for the first time, 
 you must excuse me for writing to you without 
 leaf, I haint much acquainted, but that don't 
 make no odds. I don'fc spose you remember 
 me, but I saw yon at that quiltin to Mrs. S— 's 
 house, but then I don't expect you know me, 
 I request you to write to me soon. I can't 
 write much till I get an ancer. 
 So good by 
 
 H. S. T." 
 
 Right here the romance of my "fun" began 
 to grow monotonous, and I most heartily 
 wished my school to close. That night near 
 midnight I was aroused to rush down cellar, as 
 all the rest were going for fear of a cyclone that 
 appeared to be drawing near, by going out of 
 doors in a dark drenching rain, and following 
 the man of the house, with baby in one arm a 
 lantern in the other and almost obscured to 
 keep the rain off from it, the mother three more 
 children, grandma and the schoolmam, succeed- 
 ed in finding the door that led us under the 
 house by sliding down a board, where while we 
 stayed, we had to stand on boards, stones, 
 bricks, <fec., to keep our feet dry. Before the 
 
58 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 proprietor of this "emigration" had got the 
 door closed to keep the storm from coming in 
 after me, I suppose is what it wanted. I suc- 
 ceeded in getting near enough to see the clear 
 sky suddenly lighted up by a bright full 
 moon, that would do credit to the lantern, 
 towards conducting us back to our beds. Now 
 to get out of that cellar took more ''cooning" 
 than to get in there. This was all to ridicu- 
 lously comical for me to sleep over without a 
 laugh, and when grandma, with whom I slept, 
 asked me, why I was shaking so, I laughed 
 aloud. As I never was very nervous about 
 storms, I suppose I could not realize how they 
 who w^ere "afraid" felt. So my views of the 
 flight, caused me to be left sleeping soandly in 
 my bed the next night, whilst all the rest again 
 flew to the cellar for safety, near morning I 
 was awakened by grandma getting into bed cold 
 and damp. Thinking she might be sick, which 
 she often was, I asked her what was the matter, 
 "Why we have been down cellar, the storm was 
 worse this time, but we thought you would 
 rather not go, so we left you here." Was I 
 indignant? No; I did not blow away or loose 
 any sleep or get wet. Daylight revealed to us 
 
OF THE SCHOOL KOOM. 5l> 
 
 the liavoc the storm had played iu orchard and 
 barnyard, yet when it was impossible for me to 
 suppress a smile, and a twinkle in my eyes, 
 ihi'i) looked as if they were disappointed, that 
 the house failed to rattle, enough at least, to 
 awaken me from my peaceful slumbers. 
 
 Now teacher, I did try to love my school as 
 you used to do; Oh, dear; did you really love 
 all the "kids" that came to school to you, and 
 me too ? My last day there did come, and with 
 it quite a number of visitors. We sang, had 
 some good and some poor recitations. I invi- 
 ted visitors to make remarks, but none cared to 
 speak except the fellow who "come to get ac- 
 quainted," the first of the school. After plant- 
 ing his one hundred and eighty avoirdupois 
 upon the rostrum, rubbing his lip where he 
 wished a mustache would try to grow, and tak- 
 ing a look at his Sunday shoes and clothes, he 
 cleaned his throat and started, "Children I 
 would love to remark, I visited this school the 
 first week, today I see you have learned a good 
 deal, I believe you have a good teacher and I 
 guess you all like her, I would." At this he 
 bowed himself off. This snatched all the clos- 
 ing remarks I had intended to make from my 
 
60 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 mind, so I simply dismissed school, drew my 
 money, shook the Missouri mud from my feet, 
 and now here I am a happy wife, and wanting 
 you to come and "get acquainted" with my 
 "hubby". Come quick. 
 
 LiLLIE. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 61 
 
 As You Go Through Life. 
 
 Don't look for the flaws as you go through life: 
 
 And even when you find them. 
 It is wise and kind to be somewhat blind 
 
 And look for the virtue behind them. 
 For the cloudiest night his has a hint of light, 
 
 Somewhere in its sliadows hiding; 
 It is better by far to hunt for a star, 
 
 Than the spot on the sun abiding, 
 
 The current of life runs ever away. 
 To the bosom of God's great ocean. 
 
 Don't set your force 'gainst the river's course 
 And think to alter its motion. 
 
 Don't waste a curse on the universe- 
 Remember, it lived before you. 
 
 Don't butt at the storm with your puny form- 
 But bend and let it go o'er you. 
 
 The world will never adjust itself, 
 
 To suit your whims to a letter. 
 Some things must go wrong your whole life long. 
 
 And the sooner you know it the better. 
 It is folly to fight with the Infinite, 
 
 And go under at last in the wrestle, 
 The wiser man shapes into God's plan, 
 
 As the water shapes into a vessel. 
 
 —Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 
 
<)2 UEMS AND KELIOS. 
 
 Dear Tedchei' : 
 
 You remember of course 'me' who was 
 
 such a tease in your school at - — out in 
 
 the country. Well, when you left the little 
 town of — — and resigned your work as prima- 
 ry teacher there, I took your charge. Many 
 from that room are now graduating. As you 
 know I am old too, now; and being a wife, 
 mother, housekeeper, governess, nurse, cook, 
 laundress, besides, the thousands of no name 
 duties, and hostess, too, how do you expect me 
 to succeed long in being young. I had re- 
 ceived a card last June of the ",'i'caduatin^ exer- 
 cises of some of my old pupils, but of course, I 
 dared not move my averdupois off from the 
 amount of work I was holding down here, so I 
 failed to be present. As a reward nine of my 
 old class surprised me by coming in on the 
 morning train to catch me with uncc mbed hair, 
 but my nose was clean. One said, ''We have 
 come for 'a time,' and we are to have use of 
 cook-stove so each can get their own dinner." 
 It appeared that each one's mood for amuse- 
 ment, brought out their obstinacy, and no two 
 could eat the same food, at least it must be 
 cooked different. The month beinof June thei]' 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 68 
 
 moods appeared to be in harmony with nature, 
 one day very cool, the next warm, and wet and 
 dry weather conflicting. This one would want 
 a cherry-pie another a good strawberry short 
 cake, each wanted potatoes cooked, one must 
 roast his in the ashes, ' 'Little Martha," as they 
 called her because she weighed one hundred and 
 ninety seven, said she would put hers on to boil 
 with the ''jackets" on. and then get out of the 
 kitchen. Each one would rush to sample every 
 dish completed, thus everything was eaten as 
 fast as cooked, Henry's wants for a short cake 
 demanded he should attempt that task himself; 
 after getting his berries ready, was preparing 
 the cake, and failed to keep one eye on the straw- 
 berry dish he thought he had hid, consequent- 
 ly when he had succeeded in keeping those 
 who had pie, biscuit and potatoes in the oven, 
 out of his way long enough, his cake baking nice- 
 ly, he failed to tind his berries, or the culprit. 
 *'Murderwill out," Gracie was suddenly very 
 sick. As she flew out doors and vomited up 
 the stolen property she had so hastily swallowed, 
 n rousing laugh could not be suppressed. Thus 
 the evening return train came and their dinner 
 — where and when did they eat dinner? Gracie 
 
64 GEMS AND EELICS 
 
 of course "plead guilty" and was released from 
 further teasing after promising to "taste not 
 what is not your own" no more. As they took 
 their departure, it reminded me of 
 their departure from the play-ground 
 to the school-room. Now I have 
 
 told you all there has been to break the mono- 
 tony of my duties for near ten years. Not a 
 day passes but I think of your school-room 
 motto. "Love and try to make happy," and 
 "Do your duty." 
 
 Your well wisher, 
 
 Maey. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL KOOIVl. 65 
 
 'Too Late!" She Said, "Too Late!" 
 
 1 was sorry, very sorry 
 
 For a willful action clone 
 When I, lacking worldly wisdonu 
 
 Had my life work just begun, 
 I was sorry for the planting 
 
 Of a seed that brought forth hatf 
 In a dear friend's generous l^osom: 
 
 But my sorrow came too late! 
 
 For the bitter sapling tlourished. 
 
 And the branches took on leaves 
 Till it hid the welcome sunlight, 
 
 And this thought my spirit grieves, 
 For I live now in its its shadow, 
 
 After two score years and ten, 
 And each day it waxes greener 
 
 Like the rank grass in the glen. 
 
 1 am sitting by my window. 
 
 And 1 see my old friend pass. 
 While his feeble steps reproach me. 
 
 And his sad eyes chide, alasl 
 Me was once my faithful lover. 
 
 But for gold and grand estate. 
 I proved false, and then repent(Hl. 
 But repentance came too late. 
 
66 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 If we would but stop to ponder, 
 
 As the seed so is the flower. 
 As the flower so will the fruit be, 
 To the very latest hour; 
 We should the wiser be, and better. 
 
 Well content to watch and wait, 
 After sowing, in the morning, 
 
 Precious seed, for love, not hate I 
 
 — M. A. KiDDEK. 
 
 St. Louis, Mo. 
 My Dear, Kind Teacher: — 
 
 Can you, and will yon, forigve me, a crim- 
 inal, for addressing yon. I believe when I 
 went to school to you, I really was a true- 
 hearted, honest boy. Oh, my God! 'what 
 can love do ! ' Yes, teacher, I did love, and I 
 am not ashamed to own that I was capable of 
 loving with a true and honest love. I gave all 
 my confidence into the care and keeping of her, 
 who jilted me at a moment when it ruined me 
 mentally, physically and financially. I could 
 not be quiet. I became a rover, associated 
 with those that gave excitement. May God 
 my mother, my father and you, forgive me. I 
 knew better, but my mind and heart could 
 not be quiet; when my better self did slip 
 in and say, ' go home and again be a man,' my 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 67 
 
 throbbing heart appeared to bound right into 
 my feverish brain and say " Our hopes of man- 
 hood have been murdered." 
 
 Tell me is it not murder to snatch from 
 our lives our love, our spirits and ambition? 
 And is it not robbery of the lowest stealing to 
 get our full and explicit confidence through 
 false pretence? But it ivas a crime, a peniten- 
 tiary offence, for me, without health, without 
 money and friendless, to steal a few dollars 
 from a wealthy merchant. Yes, a crime for 
 which the law says I must stay here three years! 
 Of course, dear friends, 'tis just, but when I 
 remember what caused me to get so low, I ask, 
 ' is justice done all around? ' Oh, dear teacher, 
 my only friend — except my mother — I do not 
 ho2}e to live to ever get out of this, but will you 
 write to me only once and tell me if my once- 
 loving Cora is happy with him whom she has 
 sworn to love for life. Does she ever remem- 
 ber the times we used to play, the songs our 
 then sweet voices sang together ? 
 
 May God forgive my wrong and receive 
 my soul is the prayer of your school-boy, 
 
 Fred. 
 
()8 GEMS ANT) EELICS 
 
 Kind reader, the above letter was written 
 by the first pupil I ever had. The first day of 
 school I ever attempted to teach was a cold, 
 rainy day in April, and only one pupil, a bright 
 blue-eyed boy of twelve summers that interests 
 anyone that loved childhood's freaks. We re- 
 cited lessons, eat our lunch, as is customary, 
 and, when the rain ceased, departed for home; 
 he never missed a lesson whilst I taughc there, 
 so intent was he in his studies. When 
 asked a question, he answ^ered in a decided and 
 concise manner that won my confidence; none 
 among my flock could be better trusted for a 
 true statement of any trouble that might arise 
 than this boy, my boy Fred. When I bade them 
 adieu as I left for other work, he, then a large 
 boy, was not ashamed to come up with the lit- 
 tle ones and kiss me good-bye. Besides, my 
 dear readers, I must here state he did not die 
 in a prison cell; for this kind and forgiving 
 heart of his teacher rested not until its work 
 was done. Nor am I ashamed to say I plead 
 on my knees to the Governor until a reprieve 
 was granted. 'Twas his teacher led him from 
 his cell, and when once more outside the prison 
 yard, he pillowed his head upon my breast. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 09 
 
 whilst his heart and soul gave away to tears that 
 gave him hope to again become a man. It was 
 myself that led him to his father and mother 
 and mingled my tears with theirs. To-day, he 
 is a prosperous, respectable and good man, liv- 
 ing in Jamestown, Dak. 
 
70 GEMS AND RELIOB 
 
 TRUE LOVE. 
 
 There is true love, and yet yon may 
 
 ■ Have lingering doubts about it; 
 
 I'll tell the truth and simply say 
 That life is a blank v^^ithout it. 
 
 There is a love both true and strong. 
 A love that falters never; 
 
 It lives on faith and suffers wrong. 
 But lives and loves forever. 
 
 Such love is found but once on earth — . 
 Th3 heart cannot repel it: 
 
 From v^hence it comes, or why its birth. 
 The tongue may never tell it. 
 
 This love is mine, in spite of all. 
 This love I fondly cherish; 
 
 The earth may sink, the skies may fall. 
 
 This love will never perish. 
 It is a love that cannot die. 
 But, like the soul immortal. 
 
 And with it cleaves the starry sky 
 And passes through the portal, 
 
 This is the love that comes to stay- 
 All other loves are fleeting; 
 
 And when they come just turn a way- 
 It is but Cupid cheating, 
 
 —Alice Carey. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. <1 
 
 Springfield, Mo. 
 Mi) Dear Old Teacher: 
 
 I am so happy to-night, I can hardly call 
 myself down low enough to write, but I feel 
 that I must tell some one that is near and dear 
 the good news. You heard, I think, that I ran 
 away with the choice of my heart. You re- 
 member when a little girl my parents tried to 
 keep me from associating with the poor children 
 even at school. When I was penned up with a 
 governess, hoAV I did wish to be free as those 
 poor ones. At the age of sixteen my parents 
 had betrothed me to a railroad magnate's son, 
 when eighteen I was to become his wife. I 
 plead for my freedom, but was told I would be 
 satisfied when I was surrounded with wealth. 
 I was allowed to spend a few weeks in the 
 country with an aunt, here I ran with uncle 
 over fields and pastures; and one eve we met a 
 young farmer, as we were in the pasture; he 
 was, it appeared to me, perfectly happy as his 
 clear voice sang "It never pays to fret and growl 
 etc," Yes right here in the pasture, I was in- 
 troduced to my farmer, he was a friend of my 
 aunt and uncle and came often to see ihem of 
 course. When I returned home I left with 
 
72 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 Frank the secret of my love and my parents 
 wish to baffle my happiness for position. Arriv- 
 ing at home I made friends with the cook ; often 
 she came to my room at night to leave a letter 
 and take another to post on the morrow. My 
 eighteenth birthday drawing near arrangements 
 for a grand wedding was in progress In vain 
 I plead for my release. Next 1 refuse to make 
 any effort to prepare my wardrobe. When 
 mother took it into her own hands and came 
 into my room to say I must go up town with 
 her and interview a dress maker, I did so but 
 not until I had written out my order wh i ch I 
 secretly handed the dress maker, then pleaded 
 head ache asking mother to go home and come 
 down tomorrow. I sent an extra letter out of 
 my room by the cook that night. All next 
 day I kept my room and plead "not feeling 
 well." Indeed, I did not feel well for I felt 
 my rights were abused. A few minutes before 
 the clock struck ten, and the time for the west 
 bound engine to whistle, a farmer boy whistled 
 below my window, and in less time than I can 
 write it, I stole down through the kitchen, and 
 w^as soon in the arms of Frank ini) " farmer bov ' 
 
OF THE 8(1H00L liOOM. 73 
 
 a moment more and we were seated in a car 
 bound for Peora, Ills. 
 
 Arriving there at breakfast time all appear- 
 ed hungry but us. Instead of looking for 
 breakfast, we sought the residence of a minister. 
 I rested while Frank procured the license. 
 Whilst waiting I was asked many questions 
 such as: 
 
 How old are you? Are your friends will- 
 ing you should marry? 
 
 To which' I replied truthfully. Nor do I 
 now regret that step, as my hair is fringed with 
 grey, Frank puts his arms around me as of old, 
 I feel to bless God for delivering me from wear- 
 ins^ those new clothes, for Mr. to huo^. 
 
 But to get to my extra good news for the pres- 
 ent. My husband has become heir to an estate 
 that stands him fimincially above the choice of 
 my parents. My query is, will they stoop or 
 stand erect to come and see Ida now. I wrote 
 them from Peora the day I was married urging 
 them to forgive the wrong I was doing in steal- 
 ing away at that hour, but urged them to re- 
 member, that my life time was before me, and God 
 had helped me to save my heart and all my better 
 nature from ruin. They never replied. My aunt 
 
74 GEMS AND RELICS. 
 
 and uncle wrote me that my parents would hear 
 to nothing from me, and vowed their doors 
 should never be opened to me, "a farmer's wife." 
 We ever expect to live on a farm and if they 
 wish to come and help us enjoy our blissful 
 happiness they will be welcomed by both Frank 
 and Ida. I have three girls, and if a manly 
 noble heart ever should ask their hand to go 
 where their love is deposited, I shall say "So 
 be it" and add my blessing, Send greetings, 
 quick, to your Ida. 
 
OY THE SCHOOL KOOM. 75 
 
 IN THE POLICE COURT. 
 
 "Call the next,*' said the Justice, and up to the 
 
 stand 
 Stepped a ruddy-faced woman who held by the 
 
 hand 
 A bright little girl of some six years or more. 
 Well-clad in blue frock and white pinafore. 
 vSaid the applicant— bowing and courtesying low— 
 ''If you please, I would like from your Honor to 
 
 know 
 Can I send this, my child, to some decent retreat 
 Where she'll get a bit of lodging and something to 
 
 eat? 
 The Protectory, now, I was thinking of, sure 
 They say that's a place that is safe and secure; 
 And I thought if your Honor would give me a bit 
 Of an order I'd like her protected in it."' 
 
 Said the Judge— looking kindly at mother and 
 
 child— 
 " Is your little one there disobedient or wild ? " 
 '' ' Bisohaydient^' is it ? Why, Lord love ye, no ! 
 She is the willin'ist darlin' ye ever could know : 
 Sure yer own little child, if ye have one, can't be 
 More better behaved or more lovin' than she. 
 But the times is so hard, and ye see, sir, the rent 
 
76 GEM« AND KELICH 
 
 Can't be paid any more, foj- the money's all si)ent : 
 And there's none but meself now to earn it. ye 
 
 know. 
 For Mike— that's my husband— was took years a^o 
 From his baby and me: but I kept a bit home 
 Safe and sure o'er our heads till these panniek days 
 
 come, 
 When things icould go wrong— or uta;/ be they're 
 
 right. 
 Only sometimes the reason is hid from our sight: 
 And if it seems liard, in this cold time of year, 
 To give up my place and to part from the dear. 
 Most like she'll get better and constanter care 
 From the people in that tine Protectory there 
 Than she could from meself. since 1 must be away 
 Now at washin' or house cleanin' jist the whole day: 
 And so if your Honor would please be so kind 
 As to give the bit writin', 'twould comfort my mind: 
 And '' — here came a sob— the first she had given — 
 " If you can— if you can, for the dear love of Heaven. 
 Let me go with the darlin' quite up to the door. 
 For we've never — oh! never, been parted before." 
 
 The Judge turned aside. He was young and unused 
 As yet, to such scenes, and might well be excused 
 If he lingered a moment, ere venturing to speak. 
 While he passed his hand slowly o'er eyelid and 
 
 cheek: 
 Then his voice, like a woman's was tender and mild. 
 As^he told the poor woman he'd care for the child : 
 And that night, in his home. oh. how warmly he 
 
 pressed 
 His own little baby boy close to his breast, 
 And he prayed he might ever be kept from the ])ain. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL KOOM. 77 
 
 And the sorrows that follow in poverty's train. 
 
 —Home Journal. 
 
 My Dear, Kind TeacJier :— 
 
 Being left fatherless at the age of ten, I 
 was early put in a printing office to do errands, 
 learning all I could. My poor mother hoped I 
 could earn wages; her ever-watchful eye was 
 on me to prevent any street rambling ; and when 
 the proprietor told me I w^as to take a ramble 
 (to test my ability as reporter) through the 
 country, I w^as delighted. 
 
 Leaving the city with the hope of coming 
 every day in contact with the perfect happiness 
 that I had always believed to exist in the little, 
 big, old and new houses that were scattered far 
 out from our huddled-up homes. 
 
 Going through a lonely road for some 
 time, one day, I was suddenly surprised to hear, 
 " Hush that noise, Jimmie! " I looked around; 
 all w^as silent; it appeared to me that I would 
 want the very trees and stones to sing for my 
 amusement. A rude house stood in a beautiful 
 location, with an intelligent-appearing woman in 
 the door. I could not help but wonder trJiy 
 she did not " hush " herself, and listen to me 
 sing, for I am considered by good authority, as 
 
78 OEMS AND RELICS 
 
 well as myself, to be a melodious singer, and I 
 am sure I was not indulging in a warhoop. 
 
 As I passed through the gate, near the 
 lady, she invited me in, as she said: 
 
 " Indeed, I owe you an apology ; I sup- 
 posed it was my boy coming, for I am living 
 with a distant relative — an old bachelor —and 
 he allows no noise by children; I felt that I 
 needed this out-of-doors home, for a time, to re- 
 new my mind and nerves." 
 
 "Perfectly excusable," said I; ''It will 
 teach me, hereafter, to cease my song before I 
 get to the gate." 
 
 By this time I had noted a shattered spirit 
 and energy, so I continued: 
 
 " Do you not feel that a laughing romp 
 with your boy, even a yell, occasionally, would 
 do you both good; or have you always been 
 averse to merriment?" 
 
 She fixed her eyes on me, as if to say, "Do 
 I look like one raised in the woods v, 'th no out- 
 let?" 
 
 Sure she did not; for a beautiful pair of eyes 
 beamed from beneath a broad and well-filled 
 forehead, the tears glistening in them as she 
 replied : 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 79 
 
 SOLITUDE. 
 
 Laugh and the world laughs with you; 
 
 Weep, and .you weep alone, 
 For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth, 
 
 But has trouble enough of its own. 
 Sing, and the hills will answer; 
 
 Sigh, it is lost on the air: 
 The echoes bound to a joyful sound. 
 
 But shrink from voicing care. 
 
 Rejoice, and men will seek you; 
 
 Grieve and they turn and go; 
 They want full measure of all your pleasure, 
 
 But they do not heed your woe 
 Be glad and your friends are many; 
 
 Be sad, and you lose them all; 
 There are none to decline your nectared wine, 
 
 But alone j^ou must drink life's gall. 
 
 Feast, and your halls are crowded; 
 
 Fast and the world goes by; 
 Succeed and give, and it helps you live, 
 
 But no man can help you die. 
 There is room in the halls of pleasure 
 
 For a large and lordly train. 
 But one by one we must all file on 
 
 Through the narrow aisle of pain. 
 
 ^BY ELLA WHEELER. 
 
80 GEMS AND REXICS' 
 
 A GEM. 
 
 There'& many a gem in the path of life* 
 
 Which we pass m idle pleasure, 
 That is richer than the jeweled crowiiv 
 
 Or a m,iser's hoarded treasure'. 
 
 It may be the love of a little one-, 
 
 Or a mothers prayer to heaven, 
 Or only a beggars grateful thanks 
 
 For a cup of water given. 
 
 'Tis better to weave in the web of life 
 
 A bright and golden filling, 
 And do God's work with a ready heart 
 
 And hands that are prompt and willing. 
 
 Than to snap the delicate, minute threads 
 
 Of our curious lives asunder, 
 And then blame heaven for the tangled ends., 
 
 And sit and dream and wonder. 
 
 GRANTED WISHES. 
 
 Two little girls let loose from school 
 
 Queried what each would be, 
 One said: "I'd be a Queen and rule:*" 
 
 And one. "The world Td see.'" 
 
 The years went on. Again they met. 
 
 And queried what had been; 
 " A poor man's wife am I. and yet,'" 
 
 Said one. " I am a queen." 
 
 '^My realm a happy household is. 
 My King a husband true: 
 
 I 
 
-OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 81 
 
 I rule by loving services: 
 How has it been with yoiiy" 
 
 One answered: •• Still the great world lies 
 
 Beyond me as it laid: 
 O'er love's and duty's boundaries 
 
 My feet have never strayed. 
 
 ••Faint mui-murs of the wide world eoine 
 
 Unheeded to my ear: 
 My widowed mothers sick-bed room 
 
 Sufficeth for my sphere." 
 
 They clasp each other's hands-, with tears 
 
 Of solemn joy they cried, 
 "God gave the wish of our young years. 
 
 And we are satisfied." 
 
 — John G. Whittiek- 
 
 Conquer Thyself. 
 
 "Tis a good thing sometimes to be alone. 
 
 Sit calmly down and look Self in the face. 
 
 Ransack the heart, search every secret place: 
 Prayerfully uproot the baneful seed there sown, 
 Pluck out the weeds ere the full crop is grown. 
 
 Gird up the loins afresh to run the race, 
 
 Foster all noble thoughts, cast out the base. 
 Thrust forth the bad and make the good thine own. 
 
 Who has this courage thus to look within? 
 Keep faithful watch and ward with inner eyes. 
 The foe may harass, but can we ne'er surprise 
 
 Or over him ignoble conquest win. 
 <)! doubt it not if wouldst wear a crown. 
 Self, baser Self, must first be trampled down. 
 
 — .If)HX AsKHA>f. 
 
82 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 Life's True Significance 
 
 Deeper than all sense of seeing 
 Lies the secret source of being, 
 And the soul with truth agreeing 
 
 Learns to live in thoughts and deeds; 
 For the life is more than raiment, 
 And the earth is pledged for payment 
 
 Unto man for all his needs. 
 
 Nature is our common mother. 
 Every man our loving brother, 
 Therefore let us serve each other, 
 
 Not to meet the law's behests, 
 But because through cheerful giving 
 We learn the art of living; 
 
 And to live and serve is best. 
 
 Life is more than what man fanciesi 
 Not a game of idle chances; 
 But it steadily advances 
 
 Up the rugged height of time, 
 Till each complex web of trouble, 
 Every sad hope's broken bubble, 
 
 Hath a meaning most sublime. 
 
 More of religion, less profession! 
 More of firmness, less concession: 
 More of freedom, less oppression, 
 
 In the Church, and in the State; 
 More of life and less of fashion; 
 More of love and less of passion; 
 
 That will make us good and great. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 88 
 
 When true hearts, divinely gifted. 
 From the chaff of error sifted. 
 On their crosses are uplifted, 
 
 Shall the world most clearly see 
 That earth's greatest time of trial 
 Calls for holy self denial. 
 
 Calls on men to do and be. 
 
 But forever and forever 
 Let it be the soul's endeavor 
 Love from hatred to dissever, 
 
 And in vi^hatso'er we do. 
 Won by love's eternal beauty. 
 To our highest sense of duty 
 
 Evermore be firm and true. 
 
 ARCHITECTS 
 
 Toilers in the work'of life, 
 Rearing up the structures fair. 
 
 Stand within the place of strife, 
 With your arms and foreheads bare. 
 
 Rear the building doubly strong. 
 Roof and gable pointed well: 
 
 And let its portals guard from wrong, 
 Leaving truth for sentinel. 
 
 Let the virtues which we teach 
 
 Seem of us a better part, 
 And let glow the truths we preach. 
 
 On the tireside of the heart. 
 
84 GEMS AND RELICS ■ 
 
 I 
 Else our work be coiuited lost. 
 
 In the structures we have built. 
 
 And we get not back the cost, i 
 
 By our negligence — not guilt. ,| 
 
 If we slight this work of ours. | 
 
 Leaving parts, and finish none, ', 
 
 We cannot in after hours, I 
 
 Do the work we should have done. ' 
 
 We must finish as we go. 
 
 Stone by stone lay up with care: 
 Else the pillars laid below 
 
 Will not hold the gables there. 
 
 But commencing as we should. 
 
 Block by block, and part by part. 
 We shall build the structure good. 
 
 Filled with treasures from the heart. 
 
 Scatter Seeds of Kindness. 
 
 There was never a golden sunbeam 
 
 That fell on a desolate place, 
 But left some trace of its presence. 
 
 That time could never efface. 
 Not a song of ineffable sweetness. 
 
 That ravished the listening ear. 
 Then slumbered in silence forgotten 
 
 For many and many a year — 
 
 Ihit a word or a tone might awaken 
 Its magical power anew, 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 85 
 
 Long after the sweet voiced singer 
 
 Had faded from eartlily view. 
 Nor a heart that was ever so weary. 
 
 Or tainted with sin and dispair. 
 But a word of tender compassion 
 
 Might And an abiding place there. 
 
 Yet countless thousands are yearning 
 . For sympathy, Ivindness and love, 
 And souls are grouping in darkness 
 
 Without one gleam from above. 
 There was never a sunbeam wasted, 
 
 Nor a song that was sung in vain. 
 And souls that seem lost in the shadows. 
 
 A Saviour's love may reclaim. 
 
 Then scatter the sunbeams of kindness. 
 
 Though your deeds may never be known. 
 The harvest will ripen in glory 
 
 If the seed be faithfully sown; 
 And life will close with a blessing. 
 
 And fade into endless day! 
 Like the golden hues of the sunbeam. 
 
 That fade in the twilight gray. 
 
 —John C. Blair. 
 
86 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 Very True, So May You. 
 
 Young man you say you want a wife 
 
 To bless your home and cheer your life. 
 
 A woman true in every way, 
 
 Who does her duty every day; 
 
 Whose love is strong and good and pure, 
 
 A love that wins and holds secure; 
 
 A wife that will not scold and fret 
 
 And make you wish you ne'r had met; 
 
 Whose presence is a shining light; 
 
 Whose counsel guides and keeps you right; 
 
 Who tries to please in little things 
 
 And to your home rare comfort brings. 
 
 A woman who knows how to mind 
 
 Her own business that's the kind; 
 
 Who loves her home and stays right there. 
 
 And does not run around everywhere 
 
 To gossip and to idly chat 
 
 And tell the neighbors this or that; 
 
 Who, when you're troubled, cheers you up, 
 
 And sweetens every bitter cup; 
 
 Who, when you're sick, will nurse you througii, 
 
 As only loving hands can do. 
 
 Young man, take my advice in this. 
 
 If you're in search of perfect bliss. 
 
 In weighing girls, see that you place 
 
 Good sense 'gainst beauty, wealth or grace, 
 
 My friend, you think that you are wise. 
 
 But some shrewd girl may shut your eyes; 
 
 You think you know just what you need. 
 
 But your impressions may mislead. 
 
 For other men have thought so, too. 
 
 But they got fooled and so may you. 
 
 — Camden Post. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 87 
 
 BE TRUE. 
 
 <3(>h rear no costly marble stone 
 Above my lowly lying head 
 When I am dead. 
 .But let me rest in peace alone— 
 
 With wild flowers o'er my up-turned face 
 To mark the place. 
 
 Oh. do not come to mourn for me, 
 Nor shed one sad regretful tear — 
 I cannot hear 
 The words you speak— I cannot see 
 You bend o'er my low-lying head. 
 When I am dead. 
 
 But while I live remember this: 
 
 Be true — as God's great shining stars. 
 My prison bars 
 You may not break, my lips to kiss 
 When, by and by, the grasses wave 
 Upon my grave. 
 
 —Isabel JIqtchkiss. 
 
 *'l Say What I Think." 
 
 -•I say what I think." says the valiant man. 
 
 With a voice and look of daring, 
 Determined to act on a selfish plan. 
 
 And for nobody's comfort caring — 
 ■"I say what I think." and at every chance 
 
 This impulse of his obeying. 
 "Tis plain to be seen at a single glance 
 
 He doesn't think what he's saving. 
 
5 GEMS AND EELICS 
 
 Oh, many an arrow will reach the heart 
 
 For which it was never intended, 
 If a careless marksman wings the dart. 
 
 And the hurt can never be mended: 
 And man}^ a friendship may be lost, 
 
 And many a love-link broken, 
 Because of neglect to count the cost 
 
 Of words that ar3 lightly spoken. 
 
 "I say what I think!" Ah! the truly great 
 
 Who give their wisdom expression 
 In chosen phrases, would hesitate 
 
 To make such a rash confession. 
 For think what injuries might be wrought. 
 
 What evils we could not smother. 
 If every one said just what he thought 
 
 With regard to one another! 
 
 To say what you think is a noble thing 
 
 When your voice for the right is needed, 
 To speak out your mind with a loyal ring 
 
 When order and law are impeded; 
 But the evil thoughts that flow through the brahi 
 
 And the heart should be retarded, 
 For we lessen the tide of grief and pain 
 
 When our speech is carefully guarded. 
 
 You may think what you choose, nor give offense — 
 
 Be a traitor and not display it; 
 And if you're detticient in common sense. 
 
 By silence you'll not betray it. 
 And let it be written in blackest ink. 
 
 For the good of each son and daughter, 
 That those who always say what they think. 
 
 Are most of the time in hot water. 
 
 —Selected. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 
 
 My Little Playmate- 
 
 I am a granclsire, journeying close 
 
 On tbree score years and ten; 
 And when my daily tasks are done, 
 
 And laid aside my pen, 
 I call my little playmate in. 
 
 Now passing on to three. 
 For I have need as much of her 
 
 As she has need of me. 
 
 She draws me from the world of fact, 
 
 With all its selfish strife; 
 She breaks the prosy lines of thought 
 
 That make up common life; 
 She lures me to her little world, 
 
 Where airy creatures dwell, 
 Where all things dance in joy and light, 
 
 Beneath some magic spell. 
 
 She wakes again those dreamy songs 
 
 That never vet were sung, 
 Which thrill through happy little hearts, 
 
 But not through human tongue; 
 She carols like a morning lark 
 
 To usher in the day, 
 And bring back memories from a land 
 
 That lieth far away. 
 
 Her roundelays and jingles make 
 
 Such music in my ear, 
 With all her tricky words and ways. 
 
 I can not choose but hear. 
 
90 GEMS AND RELICB 
 
 We leave all other verse aside 
 
 For that small classic lore 
 Which Mother Goose has garnered up 
 
 In her undying store: 
 
 The naughty ways of Johnny Greene,- 
 
 The virtuous Johnny Stout: 
 The boy in blue who lay asleep 
 
 When cow and sheep were out: 
 The robin sitting in the barn, 
 
 With head beneath its wing. 
 
 Because the snow is on the ground. ' 
 
 And he is cold, poor thing! 
 
 The accident to Jack and Jiir. i 
 
 The hurrying little Janet > 
 
 The man who scratched out both his eyes.. • ' 
 
 And scratched them in again: 
 The active cow that jumped the moon.. ; 
 
 The bull that tolled the bell— ; 
 
 These are a few, but many more 
 
 Too numerous to tell. 
 
 And then we play at coop and seek: 
 
 The mystery is small; 
 We hide behind the nearest chair. 
 
 Or in the open hall: 
 And every time that search is made.. 
 
 Within this same small round. 
 The happy shout of joy goes up. 
 
 Because the lost is found. 
 
 Oh, let me never grow too old 
 
 To join in merry glee 
 With any bright and laughing child 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 91 
 
 That climbs upon my knee: 
 Let me still keep the sportive mind 
 
 Until my dying day; 
 For what is life, in all its length. 
 
 Without the children's playV 
 
 —Rev. I. N. Tarbox. D. D. 
 
 The Conscience and Future Judgment. 
 
 1 sat alone with my conscience, 
 
 In a place where time had ceased. 
 And we talked of former living 
 
 In a land where the years increased; 
 And I felt I should have to answer 
 
 The question if put to me, 
 And to face the answer and question 
 
 Throughout an eternity. 
 
 The ghost of forgotten actions 
 
 Came floating before my sight, 
 And things that I thought were dead things 
 
 Were alive with a terrible might: 
 And the vision of all my past life 
 
 Was an awful thing to face, 
 Alone with my conscience sitting 
 
 In that solemnly silent place. 
 
 And I thought of a far-away warning 
 Of a sorrow that was to be mine 
 
 In a land that then was the future. 
 But now was the present time: 
 
 And I thought of my former thinking 
 Of a judgment day to be: 
 
92 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 But sitting- alone with m}' conscience 
 Seemed judgment enougli for me. 
 
 And I wondered if there was a future 
 
 To this land beyond the grave, 
 But no one gave me an answer. 
 
 And no one came to save, 
 Then I felt that the future was present. 
 
 And the present would never go by, 
 For it was but the thought of my past life, 
 
 Grown into eternity. 
 
 Then I woke from my timely dreaming, 
 
 And the vision passed away. 
 And I knew the far-away warning. 
 
 Was a warning of yesterday; 
 And I pray that I may not forget it 
 
 In this land before the grave, 
 That I may not cry in the future 
 
 And no one come to save. 
 
 And so I have learned a lesson 
 
 Which I ought to have known before. 
 And which though I learned it dreaming. 
 
 I hope to forget no more. 
 So I sit alone with my conscience 
 
 In the place where the years increase. 
 And I try to remember the future 
 - In the land where time will cease; 
 And I know of the future judgment. 
 
 How dreadful so e'er it be, 
 That to sit alone with my conscience 
 
 Will be judgment enough for me. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL KOOM. 98 
 
 "Another Stone." 
 
 Yes, stone the woman— let the man go free. 
 Draw back your skirts, lest they perchance 
 May touch her garments as she passes; 
 But to him -put forth a willing hand 
 To clasp with his that led her to distruction 
 And disgrace. Shut up from her the sacred 
 Ways of toil, that she no more may win an 
 Honest meal; but ope to him all honorable 
 Paths, where he may win distinction; 
 Give to him fair, pressed down measures of 
 Life's sweetest joys. Pass her, O maiden, 
 With a pure, proud face, if she puts out 
 A poor, polluted palm, but lay thy hand in 
 His on bridal day, and swear to cling to him 
 With wifely love and tender reverence. 
 Trust him who led a sister woman 
 To a fearful fate. 
 
 Yes, stone the woman— let the man go free! 
 Let one soul suffer for the guilt of two- 
 It is the doctrine of a hurried world 
 Too out (»f breath for holding balances 
 Where- nice distinctions and injustices 
 Are calmly weighed. But ah, how will it be 
 On that strange day of fire and flame - 
 When men shall stand before the one true 
 Judge? Shall sex then make a difference in 
 Sin? Shall he, the searcher of the hidden 
 Heart, in His eternal and divine decree 
 Condemn the woman and forgive the man? 
 
94 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 My Mirror's Tale. 
 
 I'm looking- at myself to-nig-ht. 
 
 Upon my mirror's face, 
 It is a foolish thing to do; 
 
 And yet I may find grace, 
 If, in my inmost heart, I know 
 I search for faults this glass may show. 
 
 'Tis not a lovely face I see, 
 Not winning and not young; 
 
 It shows the lines and traces of 
 A heart hy anguish wrung. 
 
 A face o'er which the storm cloud past. 
 
 To leave it calm and clear at last. 
 
 The rosy bloom of early youth. 
 
 That once had rested there, 
 Has gone; a few gray threads shine in 
 
 The darkness of my hair. 
 This tells me I have reached the stage 
 Where youth hlends with maturer age. 
 
 I wonder as I gaze at it. 
 
 Noting each feature there, 
 How some, in loving tenderness. 
 
 Have dreamed to call it fair, 
 Yet love can And a charm and grace, 
 To beautify the plainest face. 
 
 Image upon the truthful glass, 
 
 Showing myself so clearl 
 Tell me—have lowering clouds of doubt 
 
 Left deathless traces there? 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 
 
 Are lines of cold and cynic pride 
 Seen on the face 1 stand beside? 
 
 Have liglitning blasts of care and woe 
 Blackened the heart within, 
 
 And pictured in the dark-gray eyes 
 Glimpses of guilt and sin? 
 
 (), tell me nay! For I have tried 
 
 To cast all wicked thoughts aside. 
 
 Much have 1 suffered: but those days. 
 
 I trust, have purified 
 My soul; and driven from my heart 
 
 All foolish thoughts of pride. 
 Closely I scan my mirrored face 
 To find upon it saving grace. 
 
 I care not for the partial lack 
 
 Of beauty that enthralls. 
 If on my face the glowing light 
 
 Of truth and culture falls— 
 If in my eyes the spark divine 
 Of love for all mankind will shine. 
 
 T will not ask for radient orbs. 
 
 If in my own I see 
 The flash of true intelligence. 
 
 Of wit and repartee, 
 I only wish for eyes that glow 
 With pity for another's woe. 
 
 I'll pass in calm indifference 
 O'er crimson flash and hue. 
 
 If health but glows upon my cheeks. 
 If curves of lips are true. 
 
 95 
 
yt) GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 And shadow forth a soul too pure 
 
 To speak false words framed to allure. 
 
 And thus I scan my mirrored face 
 
 Each day; and hope to find— 
 Upon the tell-tale glass to see— 
 
 A meelc and gentle mind; 
 If, like a veil of priceless lace, 
 There falls sweet peace upon my face. 
 
 — LisETTE Clayton Bernhbim. 
 
 The Sin of Omission. 
 
 It isn't the thing you do, dear. 
 
 It's the thing you leave undone. 
 Which gives you a bit of a heartache 
 
 At the setting of the sun. 
 The tender word forgotten, 
 
 The letter you did not write, 
 The flowers you might have sent, dear, 
 
 Are haunting ghosts to-night. 
 
 The stone you might have lifted 
 
 Out of a brother's way, i 
 
 The bit of heartsome counsel 1 
 
 You were hurried too much to say, * 
 
 The loving touch of the hand, dear, > 
 
 The gentle and winsome tone 
 That you had no time nor thought for, 
 
 With troubles enough of your own. 
 
 These little acts of kindness, 
 So easily out of mind, 
 
{}F THE SCHOOL KOOM- 97 
 
 These chances to be angels 
 
 Which even mortals tlnd— 
 They come in night and silence. 
 
 Each chill, reproachful wraith, 
 When hope is faint and flagging; 
 
 And a blight has dropped on faith. 
 
 For life is all too short, dear. 
 
 And sorrow is all too great. 
 To suffer our slow compassion 
 
 That tarries until too late; 
 And its not the thing you do, dear. 
 
 Ifs the thing you leave undone, 
 Which gives you the bitter heartache 
 
 At the setting of the sun. 
 
 —Mrs. Margaret Sanoster. 
 
 Loss and Gain. 
 
 Do not count, when day is o'er. 
 Daily loss from life's rich store: 
 But the gains, however srnall. 
 Count them duly, one and all. 
 Every sweet and gracious word. 
 Every pleasant truth you've heard; 
 Every tender glance and tone. 
 Every kindly deed you've known; 
 Every duty nobly done. 
 Every rightful victory won— 
 Treasure all, and count them o'er 
 As a miser counts his store. 
 
98 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 But if bitter word or thought 
 Have a bitter harvest brought: 
 If some foeman has assailed you. 
 Or the friend most trusted failed you: 
 If unkindness and untruth 
 Have to you brought saddest ruth. 
 Blot the score without delay- 
 Keep no record of the day. 
 
 Keep no record of the care. 
 Loss and cross we all must bear: 
 On the page of memory write 
 Only what is fair and bright, 
 Let all evil things go by; 
 Still with brave endeavor, try 
 Simple joys to multiply. 
 
 Thus you learn how large a sum 
 Will with faithful reckoning come. 
 Long as after cloud and rain 
 Blessed sunshine smiles again, 
 Long as after winter's gloom 
 Summer roses bud and bloom. 
 Long as we have with us here 
 One sad heart that we may cheer, 
 Long as love gilds sorrow's cross, 
 Life's rich gain o'erpays the loss. 
 
 — Emeline Sherman Smith. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 99 
 
 Hoe Out Your Row. 
 
 One summer clay a farmer's boy 
 
 Was hoeing out the corn, 
 And moodily had listened long 
 
 To hear the dinner horn. 
 The welcome l)last was heard at last. 
 
 And down he dropped his hoe, 
 But the good man shouted in his ear. 
 
 •• My boy. hoe out your row." 
 
 Although a hard one was the row, 
 
 To use a ploughman's phrase, 
 And the boy, as sailors have it. 
 
 Beginning now to "haze;" 
 •• I can," he said, and manfully 
 
 Again he seized his hoe; 
 xVnd the good man smiled to see 
 
 The boy hoe out his row. 
 
 The lad the text remembered. 
 
 And learned the lesson well, 
 That perservance to the end 
 
 At last will nobly tell. 
 Take courage man, resolve you can, 
 
 And strike a vig'rous blow; 
 In life's wide field of varied toiU 
 
 Alwavs " hoe out 3''0ur row." 
 
100 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 Just How It Is. 
 
 When you grasp the hand of fortune. 
 
 And lightly step along, 
 
 The hours glide on like the numbers 
 
 Of a heart cheering song. 
 Your pathway is lined with faces 
 
 Where smiles and pleasure blend. 
 All the world will offer service 
 
 When you don't need a friend. 
 
 You may sneer at fair discretion. 
 
 When solid at the bank. 
 Your rudeness is mere pleasantry. 
 
 And quite the thing for rank. 
 Men will thrust upon you favors. 
 
 And fawn and condescend 
 Till you wonder at your kinship. 
 
 When you don't need a friend. 
 
 They will shout your name in meeting. 
 
 And vote you into fame. 
 They will load your board with ])resents 
 
 Of bric-a-brac and game. 
 They will strain themselves in showing 
 
 What kindness they intend. 
 When sunshine floods your atmosphere 
 
 And you don't need a friend. 
 
 But wait and note how comical 
 This self-same world can be. 
 
 When the sun throws not your shadow. 
 And your hopes go to sea. 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 101 
 
 You may have heard the cucumber 
 
 Has arctic chills to lend- 
 Well, the world drops under zero 
 
 When you do need a friend. 
 
 —Willi A 31 Lyle. 
 
 Could You Lend Me Ten Dollars. 
 
 'Tis a beautiful thing to have plenty of friends 
 Who have never an eye to their ovs^n selfish ends, 
 But in shadow or sunshine, sickness or health. 
 Will extend you the aid of their strength or their 
 wealth. 
 There are not many of them-if one- 
 As I tested the matter-for fun- 
 Making calls on a number, one day, 
 "Could you lend me ten dollars?" I'd say; 
 And they 
 Would reply: *' I am sorry, .but have bills to pay!" 
 Or something that way. 
 
 On a lucky old broker-a rich one-I called; 
 
 He was happy and fat, with a round face, and bald. 
 
 I had done him a '• favor " in days that were gone. 
 
 He thanked me, with tears, and declared that upon 
 Both his honor and soul he'd not rest 
 Till he'd paid me. I now thought to test 
 His fidelity; so. with a sigh, 
 '• Could you lend me ten dollars?" said I. 
 Reply; 
 
 '' I am sorry I can't, my dear friend-it's no lie- 
 I am ' short:' that is whv." 
 
102 GEMS AND RELICS 
 
 Then I called on a merchant-a warm friend of yore 
 Who had piled up his wealth like the bales in his store. 
 " I'm delighted to see you, old fellow!" said he: 
 And he gave me a poke in the ribs in his glee. 
 
 So I sat down and spoke of the weather; 
 
 We conversed fifteen minutes together; 
 
 Then I said; '' I am busted and blue- 
 Could you lend me ten dollars? Oh. do I"" 
 
 And. whew I 
 His reply was; " I wouldn't for worlds refuse you 
 But my notes are just due.'* 
 
 Next I called on a lawyer, a man of ability. 
 *' His friendship is surely a thing of utility." 
 I remarked to myself, as I entered his door. 
 " Why, come in!" said the lawyer, his face beaming 
 o'er, 
 
 "I am happy to see you sit down. 
 
 I suppose you are staying in town'?'' 
 
 I am hard up. and hungry, and dry 
 
 Could you lend me ten dollars'?" said T.' 
 "Oh. my! 
 I have got to establish a strong alibi. 
 
 And must go!" his reply. 
 
 To the house of a banker I next took my way. 
 I'd enjoyed his warm friendship for many a day. 
 He had bonds, notes and due-bills in heaps that were 
 
 thick 
 Yea. and bundles of greenbacks the size of a l)rick. 
 
 •'Ah Good-morning-good-morning!" said he. 
 
 While I thought in his eye I could see 
 
 The true friendship I sought-the sincere. 
 
 "Could vou lend me ten dollars'?" --Oh. deai-! 
 
OF THE SCHOOL ROOM. 103 
 
 I fear," 
 He replied, '• that I can't for the end of the year, 
 With its payments, is near." 
 
 Next I went to a doctor whose practice was great. 
 He'd an income immense and a wealthy estate. 
 He had styled me his '' friend," for in days long ago, 
 When his practice was small, his resources quite low 
 
 I had aided him some, and he swore 
 
 He'd be grateful to me evermore; 
 
 Hence the doctor I thought I would try. 
 
 •'Could you lend me ten dollars'?" said I. 
 '• Oh. fle! 
 I'm forgetting my patients; away I must fly! 
 Was the doctor's reply. 
 
 To a man of much money and leisure I went; 
 His investments were large, yielding twenty per cent, 
 I had known him for years, and his beautiful wife 
 Had some reason to thank me for saving her life 
 
 When she went through the ice that had 
 
 broke, 
 And she couldn't of course, swim a stroke. 
 Unto him did I go with my plea: 
 ''Could you lend me ten dollars?" "Ah. me!" 
 Said he; 
 •' I was going to ask you this moment, you see, 
 For the loan of a V!" 
 
 —A. F. Hill. 
 
Is A teacher's time VAIvUABI^E? 
 
 BRIEF DESCRIPTION. 
 
 ^HMBERTON'S COMBINED SCHOOL 
 -^REGISTER is a substantial cloth bound 
 book a little larger than the ordinary daily reg- 
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 It Saves You pouMif ths of the Labor. 
 
 F. L. FAIRBANK, Publisher, 
 
 DES MOINES. IOWA. 
 
"Labor divided by five' 
 
 PEMBERTON'S 
 
 " Combined Sehool Register. - 
 
 By f^. H. PEMBEP^TON. 
 
 COMPRISING A DAILY REGISTER OF ATTENDANCE 
 AND PUNCTUALITY. RECORD OF EXAMINA- 
 TIONS, PROMOTIONS AND CLASS WORK, 
 CLASSIFICATION RECORD, REPORTS TO 
 PARENTS, AND PROMOTION CARDS. 
 DESIGNED FOR USE IN DISTRICT 
 AND GRADED SCHOOLS. 
 
 F. L. FAIRBANK, Publisher. 
 
 Des Moines, Iowa. 
 
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IT COIMTAIIMS: 
 
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 2. Record of examinations, class work or other tests. 
 
 3. A system of reports to parents, better than any yet 
 
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 4. A system of promotion certificates which reduces 
 
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 6. A class record. 
 
 7. Memorandum for course of study. 
 
 THE various features of this register have been tested in 
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 and tested again with excellent results. 
 
 In making the combination much simplifying has been 
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 crease the speed of transcribing such reports from the regis- 
 ter. By this invention teachers will be saved much time 
 and labor, as the cards are always held in })osition for filling 
 out or stamping. The register itself is complete and sys- 
 tematic, yet plain and simple. The entire book is a marvel 
 of ingenuity, utility, compactness, and cheapness. 
 
 Rrico fD&r oopy - ^ 3.00. 
 Rrioe f>&r doz. - 30.00. 
 
 Spi^gal i^ates 09 Car(^(^ Ordi^rs. 
 
21 HEflSOflS 
 
 \A/hy This is the Best 
 \A/orl< F=»uk3lishecl. 
 
 1. You have a Teacher's Daily Register. 
 
 2. •' " " Class Kecord. 
 
 li. " '• «' Record of Scholarship. 
 
 4. " " " Classification Record. 
 
 5. " '' '* Record of Promol ion. 
 
 (j. •' " '' Supply of Report Cards. 
 
 7. " '' " " " Pioniotiou (yard.s. 
 
 8. •' " " Memorandum of Cour.se of Study. 
 
 9. " '" every thing you need, all in a neat book. 
 
 10. You will find that it is plain and simple. 
 
 11. " " •' " " saves you four-filths of your labor. 
 
 12. " " " " " an intelligible, permanent record. 
 
 13. " " " " " shows every thing at a glance. 
 
 14. " '' " many problems of record keeping solved. 
 
 15. " " " the reporting business simplified. 
 
 16. " " " a new invention for rapid transcribing. 
 
 17. " '' " that yoQ can make out 50 report cards in 
 
 30 minutes. 
 
 18. " " " that you can make out 50 promotion cards 
 
 in 10 minutes. 
 
 19. " '• " that this is a saving of 80 per cent, of your 
 
 time. 
 
 20. " " •' " it is the best thing of the kind yon ever 
 
 saw. 
 
 21. " " " " it is the most economical system of 
 
 Records. 
 Report and Promotion Cards Published. 
 Sample sheets, with more complete description will be 
 sent on application, and where any county or district con- 
 templates the adoption of some uniform system of keeping 
 their records, a sample book will be sent on application. 
 
 F. L. FAIRBANK, Publisher, 
 
 O^S IVIOirMEIS, _ - _ . lONA/A. 
 
i 
 
 I 
 
 t 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGR 
 
 lllill 
 
 021 363 608