PN 4271 
 
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 Copy 1 
 
 FiKlNG PIECES 
 
 FOR 
 
 Little Scholars and Older Pupils 
 
 ® 
 
 ORIGINAL 
 
 Dialo^uej 
 
 AND 
 
 l^eeitatio9S 
 
 BY 
 
 ELLEN 0. PECK .^ 
 
 BOSTON 1890 
 LEE AND SHEPARD PUBLISHERS 
 
 10 MILK STREET NEXT "OLD SOUTH MEETING HOUSE" 
 
 NEW YORK CHAS. T. DILLINGHAM 
 
 713 AND 720 BROADWAY 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
 
 i|ap.- , ©np^rig^l !Qij, 
 
 Shelf .i'?.^:- 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 LITTLE SCHOLARS and OLDER PUPILS 
 
 ORIGINAL RECITATIONS AND DIALOGUES, INCLUDING CHA- 
 
 RADES AND ENTERTAINMENTS FOR SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS 
 
 AND HOME PLEASURE, WITH PIECES FOR BIRTHDAY 
 
 AND WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES, DECORATION 
 
 DAY AND OTHER OCCASIONAL 
 
 CELEBRATIONS 
 
 BY 
 
 ELLEN ORTENSA PECK 
 
 BOSTON 1890 
 LEE AND SHEPARD PUBLISHERS 
 
 10 MILK STREET NEXT " OLD SOUTH MEETING HOUSE " 
 
 NEW YORK CHARLES T. DILLINGHAM 
 
 71S AND 720 BROADWAY 
 
 

 Copyright, i88g, 
 By Lee and Shepard. 
 
 S. J. PARKHILL a. CO., PRINTERS 
 BOSTON 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PART I 
 
 FOR LITTLE SPEAKERS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Why I Sing . . . 7 
 
 The First Declamation 8 
 
 Katie's Recitation 8 
 
 The Child's Invitation ....<...... 9 
 
 Vacation is Coming = . , . . 10 
 
 I Will 10 
 
 For a School Picnic 11 
 
 Christmas Words 12 
 
 The Christmas Tree 13 
 
 Little Things 13 
 
 The Robbery 14 
 
 The Gallant Hussar 16 
 
 The Beatitudes 19 
 
 How TO Serve God 22 
 
 The Bouquet of Flowers 24 
 
 Greeting 25 
 
 When we are Men 20 
 
 Opening and Closing Exercises . 28 
 
 Nature's Teacher 29 
 
 Little Glen 30 
 
 Child's Decla^iation 31 
 
 1 
 
2 CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 What's in a Name 31 
 
 Play of the Alphabet , . . . 35 
 
 TiiYiNG TO BE Big 37 
 
 A Little Speech 40 
 
 A Mysteky , 41 
 
 For Others 41 
 
 Ten Little Boys at School , . o „ 42 
 
 The Child's Idea of Heaven . . » 43 
 
 The Mother's Birthday 45 
 
 The Months 54 
 
 The Holidays, or Christmas Crowned 58 
 
 The Cross at Easter 60 
 
 A New Year's Exercise 62 
 
 Christmas 64 
 
 New Year's Greeting 65 
 
 Christmas Morning 66 
 
 PART II 
 
 FOR OLDER SPEAKERS 
 
 Our School 70 
 
 The Hillside Coasters 74 
 
 Maggie Gray 75 
 
 God in Everything 81 
 
 September 82 
 
 The Husking 84 
 
 King Freedom's Bells S8 
 
 Good Samaritans 89 
 
 Seed-time 92 
 
 Closing Address 94 
 
CONTENTS 3 
 
 PAGE 
 
 The Milkmaid 95 
 
 Sympathy 96 
 
 Change 97 
 
 WhEKE BliOOK AND RiVER MEET 98 
 
 The Offering 100 
 
 A Beautiful Woman 104 
 
 An Afternoon with the Poets 107 
 
 A Charade 112 
 
 Geographical Charade 118 
 
 A Charade 119 
 
 A Charade 126 
 
 Pantomime Charade 129 
 
 Parlor Eeading 130 
 
 A Charade * 132 
 
 Longfellow 188 
 
 A Picnic Poem 144 
 
 Decoration Day 147 
 
 The Children of the Sabbath School 149 
 
 Onward 150 
 
 Birthday Lines 156 
 
 Wedding Anniversary Lines 158 
 
 Anniversary Poem 100 
 
 Crystal Wedding Lines 163 
 
 Poem 104 
 
 Golden Wedding Lines 167 
 
 Birthday Greeting 169 
 
 Alumni Poem 170 
 
PART I 
 
 FOPv LITTLE SPEAKEKS 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 WHY I SING. 
 
 Though my songs may seem but little, 
 And never a penny they bring, 
 
 Though you call me weak and simple, 
 Don't ask me not to sing. 
 
 I know the great and wise ones 
 
 May never pause to hear, 
 But the little ones and weak ones 
 
 May sometimes linger near, 
 
 And from my heart's deep gladness 
 
 May catch a sweet refrain ; 
 And so my constant singing 
 
 May help to soften pain. 
 
 But like the little streamlets 
 That through dark forests flow, 
 
 If never a note of mine were heard, 
 I still must sing I know. 
 
 For in my soul God's mercy 
 Has placed a bubbling spring, 
 
 That sparkles and laughs and leaps in joy, 
 And that is why I sing. 
 
 7 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 THE FIRST DECLAMATION. 
 
 I KNOW I'm but a little boy, 
 
 But I can act my part ; 
 And maybe, when I leave the stand, 
 
 You'll own that I am smart. 
 
 I never spoke in public 
 
 Upon the stage before -, 
 But now I'll do the best I can, — 
 
 Angels can do no more. 
 
 I mean to be a wiser boy 
 
 As older yet I grow ; 
 To have my mind all nicely stored 
 
 With what I ought to know. 
 
 And maybe we shall meet again, 
 When I am grown a man 5 
 
 Then I will make a better speech 
 Than simple boyhood can. 
 
 KATIE'S RECITATION. 
 
 I KNOW I am a little girl, 
 
 But I can say a word. 
 For I am not too young to tell 
 
 How much I love the Lord. 
 
 And don't you know from His own lips 
 This blessed verse was given, 
 
 " Forbid not little ones to come, — 
 Of such," He said, " is Heaven " ? 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Oh, yes, I love our Saviour's name, 
 And trust His tender care ; 
 
 I mean to be His little lamb, 
 So as to meet Him tliere. 
 
 I would be one of tliat glad throng 
 His wondrous face to see ; 
 
 And so I list to hear Him say : 
 ^^ Katie, come unto me.'' 
 
 THE CHILD'S INVITATION. 
 
 Brothers, sisters, you are welcome 
 To the Saviour's loving fold ; 
 
 Come and gather here the treasures 
 Better far than gold. 
 
 He was once a little child, 
 With a child's glad little heart, 
 
 And He loves to see the children 
 Choose the better part. 
 
 Have you never heard His voice, 
 In your lives but just begun, 
 
 Saying sweetly to your hearts, 
 '' Little children, come " ? 
 
 He will take us, brothers, sisters, 
 And His love about us fold, 
 
 As He blessed the little children 
 In His arms of old. 
 
10 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 VACATION IS COMING. 
 
 The last day has come, and vacation is near : 
 
 We welcome its coming with jolly good cheer. 
 
 We love in the schoolroom our schoolmates to meet, 
 
 And our teacher's kind face each morning to greet ; 
 
 But boys are made up in a very queer way, 
 
 They cannot forever choose study from play, 
 
 So, with the best wishes to all of our mates, 
 
 We shall bid a farewell to our books and our slates. 
 
 To you, loving teacher, for patience and care. 
 
 May vacation of good things bring a very large share. 
 
 Oh joy to you all, vacation is near, — 
 
 When school is excused, let us give a round cheer. 
 
 I WILL. 
 
 " I WISH " is good, but often weak, 
 
 " I'll try " is brave and wise ; 
 But grand " I will," in every game 
 
 Must carry off the prize. 
 
 " I wish " spends often idle time, 
 
 " I'll try " not always wins : 
 "I will " has half the battle fought, 
 
 E'en when he first begins. 
 
 My boys and girls in every work 
 
 Secure the truest friend ; 
 While " Wish " and "Try " may help you on, 
 
 " I Will " makes sure the end. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 11 
 
 FOR A SCHOOL PICNIC. 
 
 A PICTURE radiant in our eyes, 
 
 Our picnic in the wood. 
 These trees, these flowers, these sunny skies, 
 
 All do the children good. 
 
 Not only what we learn from books 
 
 Will make us great and wise ; 
 For God has written many truths 
 
 On all beneath the skies. 
 
 We learn good lessons from our books, 
 Then lessons learn from these, — 
 
 Sweet poems in the wild wood flowers, 
 And stories in the trees. 
 
 All through the day the merry birds 
 
 Can sing us gleeful songs ; 
 The robin and the squirrel gay, 
 
 Each to our school belongs. 
 
 We wish for all such happy lives 
 
 As live the birds and flowers ; 
 And carr}^ with us memories glad 
 
 Of these bright summer hours. 
 
 May all our lives be leading up 
 Where treasures bright are laid, 
 
 Where waters flow by pastures green, 
 And summers never fade. 
 
12 SPEAKESfG PIECES 
 
 CHRISTMAS WORDS. 
 
 How many boys, amid these joys 
 
 That make lis glad to-night, 
 Have ever thought of the gift first brought 
 
 Which makes the Christmas bright ? 
 
 Of the shepherds old, with their gifts of gold, 
 
 Who sought the manger low, 
 And saw the light of Christmas night, 
 
 Hundreds of years ago ? 
 
 And do you know, in that manger low, 
 
 To the world a gift was given, 
 In the infant fair, a Prince of Peace, 
 
 To draw all souls to heaven ? 
 
 And that on earth thus sprang to birth 
 
 The merry Christmas time ; 
 And stars and angels ra.ng it in 
 
 With many a merry chime ? 
 
 May every gift our souls uplift 
 
 To that blessed Giver of all, 
 And songs of praise to the Saviour raise, 
 
 Por the blessings that 'round us fall. 
 
 With the merriest boys we'll count our joys, 
 But will make our Christmas true. 
 
 By giving our parts with grateful hearts, 
 And praise to whom it is due. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 13 
 
 THE CHRISTMAS TREE. 
 
 Of all the trees that swing to the breeze, 
 From the mountain down to the sea, 
 
 Not one to-night gives such delight 
 As the beautiful Christmas tree. 
 
 Like apples of gold its fruits behold 
 
 With promises for all. 
 On Christmas night they all are ripe, 
 
 And ready now to fall. 
 
 And so quite brief I make my speech, 
 
 From policy, you see ; 
 To haste the hour when a glad shower 
 
 Will fall from the Christmas tree. 
 
 We'll strip the fruit from top to root. 
 
 Till none thereon appear ; 
 Then home we'll go for more to grow 
 
 Before another year. 
 
 LITTLE THINGS. 
 
 When God makes a lovely thing 
 The fairest and completest, 
 
 He makes it little, don't you know ? 
 For little things are sweetest. 
 
 Little birds and little flowers, 
 Little diamonds, little pearls ; 
 
 But the dearest things on earth 
 Are the little boys and girls. 
 
14 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 THE ROBBERY. 
 
 The springtime came witli buds and flowers, 
 
 And robes of emerald green ; 
 The trees their branches tossed on high, 
 
 To kiss the sky serene. 
 
 The feathered songsters from the South 
 
 Came back with us to roam, 
 And all the sunny hours they toiled 
 
 To make their summer's home. 
 
 Two little birds with downy, painted breasts, 
 
 Came flying side by side, 
 Across the sunny Southern plains, 
 
 The robin and his bride. 
 
 New England's hills and vales they reached, 
 
 And followed the waters clear 
 Of the river which flows from north to south. 
 
 The pride of the people here. 
 
 They stopped at last in Newbury town, 
 Which rose from the waters blue. 
 
 And to the village on the plain, 
 On hopeful wings they flew. 
 
 In front of my window they made their home, 
 
 In a leafy maple-tree, 
 And their beautiful skill in framing it 
 
 Seemed wonderful to me. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 15 
 
 It grew so fast I could not see 
 
 How they made the little cup ; 
 I only know, they very soon 
 
 Had the building all put up. 
 
 A few more days of patient care, 
 
 Spent by the bride at home, 
 To which the mate with stores of food 
 
 In love would daily come. 
 
 And then some eggs of lovely blue 
 
 Lay in the fairy nest. 
 And now in part for all their care 
 
 The happy pair were blest. 
 
 An enemy lurked near e'en then, 
 
 With eyes that boded wrong ; 
 A cat had marked them for his prize 
 
 While listening to their song. 
 
 The robins knew it not, their hearts 
 
 Had never dreamed of ill. 
 And when night came they sought the home 
 
 Constructed by their skill. 
 
 The foe came forth with stealthy step, — 
 
 The darkness was around, — 
 But the yellow eyes of the wicked cat 
 
 The fairy bird-home found. 
 
 He did the work ; -I cannot tell 
 
 How birdies plead for life, 
 Eor I only knew that when morning came, 
 
 All over was the strife. 
 
16 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 The birds were gone — we hear no more 
 
 Their songs in the maple-tree ; 
 The eggs they tended with loving care, 
 
 All crushed on the ground we see. 
 
 Who dares to say the sinner's guilt 
 
 AVill not surely find him out, 
 That even the crimes of a wicked cat 
 
 Will not follow him about ? 
 
 When the housewife went for water at noon 
 Where the iron-bound bucket fell, 
 
 She saw the old cat's spotted back 
 In the mossy depths of the well. 
 
 Down, down he had fallen o'er walls of stone 
 
 To find a watery bed, 
 And was taken up all stiff and cold, — 
 
 Por the robber cat was dead. 
 
 THE GALLANT HUSSAR. 
 
 A GRAND array of horse and man 
 
 Were drawn in showy line, 
 The Emperor's carriage in the van, 
 
 Of royalty the sign. 
 
 A sea of faces rose to greet 
 
 The cavalry review, 
 Brightened by sunshine soft and sweet 
 
 From mellow skies of blue. 
 
 / 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 17 
 
 A little girl, with laughing face, 
 
 Unnoticed, crept away 
 From mother's side, her hiding-place, 
 
 And quickly, as in play, 
 
 She rushed into the open square, 
 
 Just as a squadron fine 
 Made a detour, the Empress fair 
 
 To give a greeting sign. 
 
 The flying hoofs, at gallop pace 
 
 Down on the little child ! 
 In horror mute blanched many a face, 
 
 The Empress' cry was wild. 
 
 Eyes closed, that on their aching sight 
 
 The horror might not fall ! 
 Those thousand iron hoofs well might 
 
 The stoutest hearts appall. 
 
 No chance to rush across the line. 
 
 And grasp the little one, 
 For quicker than a thought or sign, 
 
 The squadron rushes on. 
 
 Already 'neath a prancing horse. 
 
 Inevitable her doom ! 
 An instant more a mangled corse, 
 
 What now is life and bloom ! 
 
 A brave hussar, quicker than thought, 
 
 Across his horse's neck 
 His body threw ; the child, he caught 
 
 Without a moment's check. 
 
18 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 The child is safe T and one grand roar, 
 
 There rises cheer on cheer, 
 Ten thousand and ten thousand more 
 
 Of voices loud and clear. 
 
 The child is safe ! Two women sob 
 The joy they would express ; 
 
 Their tears are each a warm heart throb 
 The brave hussar to bless. 
 
 The mother and the Empress grand 
 
 This deepest homage gave, 
 While the Emperor proudly held the hand 
 
 Of the gallant trooper brave ; 
 
 And from his breast the cross that shone, 
 
 The emblem of a knight, 
 He took, and placed on the soldier's own, 
 
 Which throbbed with proud delight. 
 
 All this for the life of a little child. 
 The country's heart is stirred ; 
 
 A throb divine, all undefiled, 
 Is felt where the deed is heard. 
 
 t)h ! judge not human nature hard, 
 For currents warm and* deep 
 
 Flow underneath the surface scarred, 
 Where colder waters sweep. 
 
 A child's sweet face, a gallant deed, 
 
 The currents outward roll, 
 In grief or joy, to meet our need, 
 
 Christ-love within the soul. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 19 
 
 THE BEATITUDES. 
 
 TEACHER. 
 
 As here to-day we gather, 
 
 We would hear what you have done ; 
 Of your faith and prayers and strivings, 
 
 And the victories you have won ; 
 Of patient labor, of good seed sown, 
 Of harvests gathered and made your own. 
 
 FIRST SCHOLAR. 
 
 I have walked among my fellows, 
 And shrinking from the proud. 
 
 Have turned away with calmness 
 From the haughty, laughing crowd, 
 
 To find a comfort sure and sweet. 
 
 Sitting humbly at Christ's feet. 
 
 CLASS. 
 
 " Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the 
 Kingdom of Heaven." 
 
 SECOND SCHOLAR. 
 
 I have shed my tears of sorrow 
 
 Over the sin and wrong. 
 And for the triumph of virtue 
 
 Have watched and waited long. 
 Now over the Hills of Love Divine, 
 Gleams of the morning begin to shine. 
 
 CLASS. 
 
 " Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be 
 comforted." 
 
20 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 THIRD SCHOLAR. 
 
 I have looked with patient loving 
 
 Into faces cold and stern, 
 And to bitter words of anger 
 
 Given soft ones in return, 
 And the world, so full of wrong and pride, 
 Has turned to me its better side. 
 
 CLASS. 
 
 *^ Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the 
 earth.'' 
 
 FOURTH SCHOLAR. 
 
 I have wished to know my duty, 
 
 My Father's will to do, 
 Have sought with prayer and yearning 
 
 To find the pure and true. 
 That I might taste, e'en in my youth, 
 The waters sweet of Living Truth. 
 
 CLASS. 
 
 " Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after 
 righteousness : for they shall be filled." 
 
 FIFTH SCHOLAR. 
 
 I have reached my arms m pity 
 
 To fold the wanderer in, 
 And thrown a loving mantle 
 
 Over my brother's sin, 
 And when I needed strength and cheer, 
 Sweet words of comfort did I hear. 
 
 CLASS. 
 
 " Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain 
 mercy." 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 21 
 
 SIXTH SCHOLAR. 
 
 Amid tlie world's temptations 
 
 My heart has sought the light, 
 To walk amid the shadows 
 
 With garments always white, 
 That never any thought impure 
 My spirit's vision might obscure. 
 
 CLASS. 
 
 <^ Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see 
 Gk)d." 
 
 SEVENTH SCHOLAR. 
 
 I sought amid contention, 
 
 Where brothers strove in wrath, 
 
 To sow the seed forgiveness 
 Along a stormy path, 
 
 With hope that love might still increase, 
 
 And yield the blessed fruits of peace. 
 
 CLASS. 
 
 "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be 
 called the children of God.'^ 
 
 EIGHTH SCHOLAR. 
 
 I have clung to the faith in sorrow, 
 
 For, being misunderstood. 
 The world has treated me falsely 
 
 When I labored only for good.- 
 But the Lord in His mercy has heard my voice, 
 And amid persecution I still can rejoice. 
 
 CLASS. 
 
 " Blessed are they which are persecuted for right- 
 eousness' sake : for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." 
 
22 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 TEACHER. 
 
 And of the world, dearly beloved, 
 Ye are the appointed light ; 
 
 A city set npon a hill 
 
 Cannot be hid from sight. 
 
 So let your light in radiance shine, 
 
 As to glorify the Love Divine. 
 
 HOW TO SERVE GOD. 
 
 FIRST GIRL. 
 
 What is it to serve God ? 
 
 Is it not to attend His church, 
 
 And in the hour of prayer 
 
 Bow down our heads, and humbly feel 
 
 ^Tis good for us to be there ? 
 
 SECOND GIRL. 
 
 Oh, yes, upon the sabbath day 
 
 We serve Him when we rest and pray. 
 
 first girl. 
 What more than this can any do, 
 To be a Christian just and true ? 
 
 SECOND girl. 
 
 O sister, the sabbath is only one day 
 Of a week made up of seven. 
 Shall no offering rise on the other six 
 To our blessed Father in Heaven ? 
 
 FIRST GIRL. 
 
 But what can we do, — leave work and play, 
 And think of God always, and sing and pray ? 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 23 
 
 SECOND GIRL. 
 
 You think not as I do, sister clear, 
 For all our work a time shall appear ; 
 And surely we serve Him at work or play, 
 If only our hearts are in the right way. 
 
 FIRST GIRL. 
 
 Think you that God, so great and wise. 
 Takes note of each trifle that round us lies ? 
 
 SECOND GIRL. 
 
 Yes, sister ; not even the sparrows fall, 
 
 But God takes note of one and all ; 
 
 And a cup of water in His name given. 
 
 In the " Book of Life " is recorded in heaven. 
 
 Earnest at work, and cheerful at play. 
 
 With love in our hearts we should serve Him alway. 
 
 FIRST GIRL. 
 
 'Tis a lovely thought, I take it as true, 
 This lesson of life I have learned of you. 
 
 BOTH. 
 
 Oh, come with us all to God's vineyard to-day. 
 And serve Him with gladness at work and at play. 
 
34 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 THE BOUQUET OP FLOWERS. 
 
 {For Five Little Girls.) 
 
 All : Would you ever think we five little girls 
 Make up a bouquet of flowers, 
 More highly prized in the garden of home 
 Than those in the loveliest bowers ? 
 
 First Girl : I am a daisy. {Second Girl) I am a rose. 
 Third Girl : I am a lily, I suppose. 
 Fourth Girl : I am a violet. {Fifth Girl) I am ti pink. 
 All : A pretty bouquet, now, don't you think ? 
 
 First Girl: I am a daisy ; they call me " Sis " 
 Among my rollicking brothers, 
 And innocence pure gives me this place, 
 A daisy among these others. 
 
 Second Gi7'l: I am a rose ; in the garden of home 
 I hold a loving sway ; 
 May my life be as beautiful as the 
 flower 
 I represent here to-day. 
 
 Third Girl: I am a lily. May purity be 
 The language of my heart, 
 For through my life I'll try to choose, 
 Like Mary, the better part. 
 
 Fourth Girl: I am a violet, modest and neat; 
 
 Some people think I am bright and 
 sweet. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 25 
 
 Fifth Girl : 1, as a pink, am acting my part, 
 
 Little in stature, but great at heart. 
 
 First Girl : Innocence cliarms in a world of sin. 
 Second Girl : Beauty of soul we slioulcl seek to win. 
 Third Girl : Purity blossoms fair and white. 
 Fourth Girl: Modesty blushes, and hides from sight. 
 Fifth Girl : The pink is so happy it seeks for the 
 light. 
 All : We are flowers of hearts and of households, 
 Springing up in affection's sod ; 
 We are blooming below, but fitting to bloom 
 Above in the garden of God. 
 
 GREETING. 
 {For a Primary School Entertainment for Four Children.) 
 
 First Girl : We are glad to see you, friends, to-day 
 Within our schoolroom dear. 
 And thank you for your kindness 
 In meeting with us here. 
 
 All : And so we give you greeting, 
 A greeting merry and true ; 
 A welcome, welcome, welcome, 
 To every one of you. 
 
 Second Girl : We know you'll not expect too much, 
 For we are small and young ; 
 And many older, wiser schools. 
 No doubt you've been among. 
 
26 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 All : And so we give you greeting, etc. 
 
 Third Gwl : To try. our best, to do our best, 
 We'll show that we are proud, 
 And not do as so many do. 
 But speak out clear and loud. 
 
 All : And so we give you greeting, etc. 
 
 Fourth Girl : We aim to fit our minds and hearts 
 For duties pure and high. 
 To fill the places God designed 
 In the golden by and by. 
 
 All : And so we give you greeting, etc. 
 
 WHEN WE ARE MEN. 
 
 {For Tioo Boys.) 
 
 FIRST BOY. 
 
 We are only boys, but are growing fast, 
 Soon our boyhood will be past ; 
 And I ask myself again and again, 
 What shall we do when we are men ? 
 
 SECOND BOY. 
 
 Better ask what shall we do as boys, 
 What shall we do with our books and toys ? 
 With lessons to learn and teachers to please, 
 Better ask, what shall we do with these ? 
 For they will go when our youth is jjast, 
 And, as you say, we are growing fast. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 27 
 
 FIRST BOY. 
 
 Oh, books get stupidj and teachers get cross ; 
 I'm sure they'll be no great of a loss ; 
 And when we grow to be our own men, 
 Oh, I wonder now what we shall do then ! 
 Let us be good and let us be great, . 
 We will do something at any rate. 
 
 SECOND BOY. 
 
 But you forget, as boys make men, 
 
 We must labor now to prepare for then ; 
 
 And our books and lessons so hard and dry, 
 
 Are fitting us now for the by and by. 
 
 If we please our teacher, and mind each rule, 
 
 And are prompt and punctual at school; 
 
 If we try to do right again and again. 
 
 We'll be ready for work when we are men. 
 
 FIRST BOY. 
 
 I see I am wrong in looking ahead, 
 While the lessons hard I so much dread, 
 Lie waiting to teach me the good and true ; 
 For shame to be idle ! with so much to do. 
 
 SECOXD BOY. 
 
 Yes, for shame to be idle ! for boys though we be, 
 God has a work for both you and me. 
 
 BOTH. 
 
 We'll choose for a guide in our childhood days, 
 Him who is worthy of prayer and praise ; 
 We'll serve Him in boyhood, and then, and then 
 He'll help us to serve Him when we are men. 
 
28 
 
 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 OPENING AND CLOSING EXERCISES. 
 
 {For Primary School Exhibition) 
 
 WELCOME. 
 
 {Have a good board covered with lohite cloth, and orna- 
 mented with evergreens and gilt stars. Have seven nails 
 in it to receive evergreen letters in form of an arch. 
 Have this supported by two sticks, with cross-pieces at the 
 bottom, so the frame will stand securely . These sticks may 
 also be ornamented with evergreens. Each of seven little 
 girls repeats her line, and then hangs the letter with which 
 the line begins on the nail designed for it) 
 
 First Girl : We gather here upon the stage, 
 Second Girl : Each little girl, you see ; 
 
 Third Gild: Listen to hear our greeting words, 
 Fourth Girl : Coming so cheerfully. 
 
 Fifth Girl : On us bend your smiles of cheer. 
 
 Sixth Girl : Merrily, merrily give your ear, 
 
 Seventh Girl : Every one, so as to hear, — 
 All: Welcome. 
 
 GOOD-BY. 
 
 {Materials and arrangements the same as for the welcome.) 
 
 First Girl : Gayly have we passed the time 
 Second Girl : On our little stage this eve ; 
 Third Girl : Only hoping we have pleased, 
 Fourth Girl : Do we take our leave. 
 Fifth Girl : By your presence here to-night, 
 Sixth Girl: You have kept our courage bright; 
 Seventh Girl: Each one thanks you with delight. 
 All: Good-by. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 29 
 
 NATURE'S TEACHER. 
 
 {For a Little Boy and Girl.) 
 GIRL. 
 
 I HAD a dream last night, brother ; 
 
 A strange, bright dream of you ; 
 You were walking by my side, brother, 
 
 In the grove 'mong the violets blue. 
 
 BOY. 
 
 Ah, what did you dream of me, sister. 
 As I walked in the grove with you ? 
 
 What strange, bright dream did you have of me ? 
 Perhaps it may come true. 
 
 GIRL. 
 
 ^Twas of us both, I dreamed, brother, 
 
 That wherever our glad feet trod. 
 The flowers sprang up in our happy way, 
 
 And smiled from the mossy sod. 
 
 And they whispered sweetly in tones so low 
 
 We listened as we stood ; 
 But the only words we gathered from them, 
 
 Were the single words " Be good ! '^ 
 
 BOY. 
 
 That was a strange dream, indeed, sister, 
 That flowers at our feet should talk ; 
 
 But perhaps if we listen, such tones we shall hear 
 In the paths where we often walk. 
 
30 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 GIRL. 
 
 Yes, mother has told me oft, brother, 
 That tlie birds and flowers we love, 
 
 May teach us lessons of beauty and light, 
 And whisper of angels above. 
 
 BOY. 
 
 Come, then, let us go to the grove, sister, 
 
 The birds and flowers to see. 
 And listen to voices to tell us of good 
 
 That may come to you and me. 
 
 BOTH. 
 
 We will go to the woods for a lesson to-day. 
 
 Not a book will we try to read ; 
 For the birds and flowers shall our teachers be, 
 
 And they shall our footsteps lead. 
 
 LITTLE GLEN. 
 
 Dear little Glen, not three years old. 
 
 Was learning A, B, C ; 
 And papa told him " W," 
 
 But he said, "Double-me." 
 "No, no," said papa, "that's not right; 
 
 Come, try it once again, 
 Just as I do, now — W," 
 
 But he said, "' Double-Glen ? " 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 31 
 
 CHILD'S DECLAMATION. 
 
 I KNOW 'tis hard to study on, 
 
 As pleasant hours go by ; 
 I long so much to go and play, 
 
 But then I mean to try. 
 And all my life I'll make this rule, 
 
 Beginning with to-day, 
 Duty must come the first of all, 
 
 The work, and then the play. 
 
 WHAT'S IN A NAME. 
 
 Characters. — Six girls and five boys. One girl older than 
 the others represents the Oypsy, and has spectacles, a cap, 
 a red shawl, and an unabridged dicti07iary. The fiy^st- 
 narned articles she pids on when she mentions them. To 
 the last she refers as the names are given her, having it 
 open on the table before her. 
 
 Gypsy : Come, girls and boys, now gather 'round ; 
 A gypsy I will be. 
 And tell your fortunes every one, 
 Just as they're shown to me. 
 
 I'll wear this cap upon my head. 
 
 These glasses on my eyes, 
 This gay red shawl about my form, 
 
 To make me gypsy-wise ; 
 And this great book before me laid, 
 (^Opens dictionary) 
 
 The oracles shall hold. 
 Which at the giving of your names. 
 
 Great mysteries unfold. 
 
32 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Who comes the first ? {George advances.) 
 Ah, sir, your uame ? 
 George : ^Tis George, ma'am, if you please. 
 Gypsy : Oh, here it is ; a hapj^y life 
 Your gypsy now foresees. 
 
 A rural life in verdant fields, 
 
 A farmer hale and strong, 
 Who welcomes the glad harvest home, 
 
 With whistle, laugh, and song. 
 
 A goodly name, a goodly life. 
 
 It bids you nobly try 
 To imitate the boy we love, 
 
 Who " could not tell a lie." 
 
 Who comes next ? a pretty maid, — 
 Nellie : And Nellie is my name. 
 Gypsy : Oh, yes, I see it all in light, — 
 A love-illumined flame. 
 
 Your life is to be bright and fair, 
 With hope and joy you give 
 
 To light the way for others' steps, 
 And help them well to live. 
 
 Agnes : My name is Agnes, gentle seer. 
 
 Give me a happy fate ; 
 Gypsy : Yes, Agnes shall be sweet and purey 
 
 While others may be great. 
 
 And sweeter recompense by far 
 
 Than any earthly grace. 
 Shall come unto the ^?//re in heart, — 
 
 They'll see the Father's face. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 33 
 
 Charles : Ho, gypsy ! What in all your book 
 Bespeaks my future fame ? 
 A soldier, or a blacksmith, now 
 Lies hidden in my name. 
 
 Gypsy : Yes, Charlie, either one will 'do, 
 Since you are to be strong ; 
 Now fight, or hammer for the right, 
 Or to oppose the wrong. 
 
 Edwin : Well, what of me ? gypsy gay, 
 My name is Ed, you know. 
 
 Gypsy : Oh, all the world will yield you gold. 
 Wherever you may go. 
 
 Pass on ; a little maiden comes, 
 With merry, laughing face ; 
 Anna : My name is Anna, gypsy dear, 
 Gypsy ' Which here I find, is grace. 
 
 Graceful in form, graceful in mind. 
 To you God's grace be given. 
 
 That all your walk on earth may be 
 A radiant path to heaven. 
 
 Willie : And what for me ? a land of gold ? 
 A soldier's armor bright ? 
 With Ed, I'd gladly dig the ore, 
 Or with brave Charlie fight. 
 
 Gypsy : Willie, you've a work to do 
 The bravest man might seek ; 
 Contented, then, accept your own, 
 Protector of the weak. 
 
34 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Patrick : And sure, ma'am, to yer honor, 
 I doff me old straw hat, 
 To hear a word about meself. 
 Though I am only Pat. 
 
 Gypsy : Why only Pat ? You do not know 
 Patrick means noble birth, 
 And you may be as true a man 
 As walks upon the earth. 
 
 Martha : I'd like a humble, useful life, 
 
 Whatever my name may hold. 
 That will read better at its close 
 Than when it is foretold. 
 
 Gypsy : Wise Martha, ^' Ruler of the house,^ 
 To spend your happy days 
 By home's bright hearth, among fond 
 friends, 
 In pleasant household ways. 
 
 Mary : Dear gypsy, Mary is my name, 
 And bitter though it be. 
 Because of sacred memory, 
 Give a good word to me. 
 
 Gypsy : Though bitter in the Hebrew tongue, 
 To us it must be sweet. 
 Through INIary the mother of Christ, 
 And Mary at His feet. 
 
 And so your fate, my gentle friend, 
 I make, with cheerful heart, 
 
 Happy, because, like her of old. 
 You choose tiie better part. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 35 
 
 And now I lay the book aside, 
 
 And take these from my eyes, 
 (^Removing spectacles) 
 Hoping that in this little hour 
 
 With play we have grown wise, 
 
 And learned that by a little care, 
 Searching from whence it came. 
 
 We all may find at any time, 
 There's " something in a name." 
 
 PLAY OF THE ALPHABET. 
 
 {^An exercise for twenty-six small childreii. Tlie letter each 
 represents being ^n"w?zcfZ on the breast of each child. The 
 last half is addressed to the audieiice. They take their 
 jilaces one by one.) 
 
 1. {Taking ylace on the stage) — A advances. 
 
 2. {Boy coming to A^s side and hoiving) — B bows. 
 
 3. {Girl coming i^ito line and dropping a courtesy) — 
 
 C courtesies. 
 
 4. {Dancing into line) — D dances. 
 
 5. {Eating) — E eats. 
 
 6. {Coming on slowly and thoughtfully) — F forgets. 
 
 7. {Crying) — G grieves. 
 
 8. {Coming on very fast) — H hurries. 
 
 9. {Scrutinizing the others) — I inspects. 
 
 10. {Jumping along) — J jumps. 
 
 11. {Coming forward and kneeling in line) — K kneels. 
 
 12. {Coming quickly, lifts K up) — L lifts. 
 
 1 3. {Marching promptly) — M marches. 
 
86 
 
 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 14. (Bowbuj) — N nods. 
 
 15. {Glanchuj about) O observes. 
 (FlayiiKj on vioiith-organ, or Jew''s-harp) — P plays. 
 {HoldiiKj in one hand an interrogation 'point) — 
 
 Q questions. 
 {Running into line) — E. runs. 
 (Looking very iileasantly) — S smiles. 
 (Coining on awizwardhj, falls doimi) — T tumbles. 
 (Following quickly, helps him iqj) — U upholds." 
 (Sauntering hi) — V visits. 
 (Bringing a hook) — W "works. 
 (Bringing two hooks) — X excels. 
 (Handing a hook to X) — Y yields. 
 
 16. 
 17. 
 
 18. 
 19. 
 20. 
 21. 
 22. 
 23. 
 24. 
 25. 
 20,. 
 
 (Coming in, in irregidar course) 
 
 Z zigzags. 
 
 1. Amuse us. 
 
 2. Bless us. 
 
 3. Care for us. 
 
 4. Defend us. 
 Educate us. 
 
 5. 
 
 C. 
 
 7. 
 
 8. 
 
 9. 
 10. 
 11. 
 12. 
 13. 
 
 Forgive us. 
 Guide us. 
 Help us. 
 Interest us. 
 Judge us. 
 Know us. 
 Love us. 
 Mould us. 
 
 14. Nourish us. 
 
 15. Oblige us. 
 
 16. Pet us. . 
 
 17. Question us. 
 
 18. Rouse us. 
 
 19. Steady us. 
 
 20. Trust us. 
 
 21. Use us. 
 
 22. Value us. 
 
 23. Warn us. 
 
 24. Excuse us. 
 
 25. Yearn over us. 
 2Q>. Zest our work. 
 
 All in concert 
 
 And together we will do, 
 Almost everything for you. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 37 
 
 TRYING TO BE BIG. 
 
 ANNIE. 
 
 Willie, I've been to the beautiful town 
 Where flowers bloom close to the street, 
 
 And into the fields that lie beyond, 
 Where I crushed them with my feet ; 
 
 And there is a pond that never dries, 
 And hosts and hosts of butterflies. 
 
 WILLIE. 
 
 Ho, butterflies ! I'd like to go 
 
 And give them all a chase. 
 And catch them in my old straw hat, 
 
 To pay me for the race. 
 And in the pond I'll bet I'd find 
 
 A speckled trout to suit my mind. 
 
 ANNIE. 
 
 What ! chase the pretty butterflies ! 
 
 And catch the shining fish ! 
 Just like a boy ! for such rough sport 
 
 I never had a wish. 
 
 1 like to see them glad and gay, 
 
 With birds that sing, and lambs that play. 
 
 WILLIE. 
 
 What kind of birds were those that sung ? 
 
 I'd like to hear an owl, 
 With bigger eyes and smaller sight 
 
 Than any other fowl. 
 I'd hark to hear him hoo — oo — oot, — 
 
 Then raise my little gun and — shoot. 
 
38 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 ANNIE. 
 
 Why, Willie Cross, I'm 'shamed of you, 
 
 Your talk is surely bad ; 
 I was sorry you couldn't go, 
 
 But now I'm sure I'm glad. 
 The birds were robins with reddish breasts, — 
 They had the funniest little nests !. 
 
 WILLIE. 
 
 O pshaw ! Jim Howard told me once 
 He'd climbed up lots of trees, 
 
 And stolen eggs from robins' nests, 
 As many as you please. 
 
 He didn't seem to think them made 
 
 Tor any such fol-de-rol parade. 
 
 ANNIE. 
 
 O what a wicked, wicked boy 
 
 You've chosen for a mate ! 
 And that is why you've changed so much 
 
 In all your ways of late. 
 You toss your head and tease me so, — 
 You're not the brother I used to know. (Cries.) 
 
 WILLIE. 
 
 Come, Annie, now, you silly girl, 
 Don't spoil your pretty eyes ; 
 
 I never stole a robin's nest. 
 Nor hurt the butterflies. 
 
 But who wants always to be good ? 
 
 I'm sure I wouldn't if I could. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 39 
 
 ANNIE. 
 Would not be good ! why, Willie Cross, 
 
 What can I do but cry ? {Crying.) 
 I know if that's the way you talk, 
 
 You'll be dreadful by and by. 
 I wish Jim Howard would stay away, 
 And not come here another day. 
 
 WILLIE. 
 
 Now, Annie, I'm too big a boy 
 
 To play with little girls. 
 And be tied by mother's apron strings, 
 
 Or one of your pretty curls ; 
 And 'tisn't pleasant, don't you see, 
 To have the big chaps laugh at me. 
 
 ANNIE. 
 
 O dear ! our Uncle Henry Lee 
 
 Would say you are a coward, 
 And dare not do just what is right 
 
 For fear of Jimmie Howard. 
 He wouldn't like your head so high. 
 And words so rough, no more than I. 
 
 WILLIE. 
 
 Come, Annie, don't say any more, 
 
 Nor tell our Uncle Lee, 
 For all my life I've wanted most 
 
 To be as good as he. 
 And Jimmie's scoffs I'd rather hear 
 Than have you shed a single tear. 
 
40 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 ANNIE. 
 
 O, now you're Willie Cross again, 
 
 Behave the best you can, 
 For uncle says a gentle boy 
 
 Will make a gentleman. 
 Come to the nursery and see 
 What I have brought from Uncle Lee. {Exit.) 
 
 WILLIE (to audience). 
 There's no use trying to be big 
 
 And making such a show ; 
 A little girl will take you down 
 
 Before you hardly know. 
 I rather have her close at hand 
 Than all the big chaps in the land. 
 
 A LITTLE SPEECH. 
 
 Why are we children called to speak 
 Where we scarce can say a word ? 
 
 For when we loant to talk, we're told 
 We should be seen, not heard. 
 
 Perhaps you expect the wisest things 
 
 From the extremest youth, 
 Since children and another class 
 
 'Most always speak the truth. 
 
 If I could say a single word 
 
 To really do some good, 
 Although I dread to speak a piece, 
 
 I'd do it, if I could. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 41 
 
 A MYSTERY. 
 {^For April IsL) 
 
 In the quiet streets of Calais ^ 
 
 Have strangest scenes occurred, 
 And all have been astonished 
 
 At the things which they have heard. 
 
 Not only in the public street, 
 
 But by each cottage hearth, 
 There's come what never has been seen 
 
 But once a year on earth. 
 
 Such noise it made we closed our ears, 
 
 In sudden, grave alarm ; 
 But have not found that anywhere 
 
 It otherwise did harm. 
 
 It even came with saucy air 
 
 Into our quiet school ; 
 And there 'twas caught by students brave, 
 
 And proved an — A2:>ril fool. 
 
 FOR OTHERS. 
 
 A BRIGHT smile here, and a kind word there, 
 
 As cups of cold water given, 
 To bless the least of Christ's little ones. 
 
 Will be written for us in heaven. 
 If we live for the right, and for others' needs 
 
 Our hearts go out in yearning. 
 The good that shall come in our own dark days, 
 
 AVill be but the bread returning. 
 
 1 Any town substituted. 
 
42 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 TEN LITTLE BOYS AT SCHOOL. 
 
 Ten little boys starting in a line, 
 
 One went back, tlien there were nine. . 
 
 Nine little boys marking on a slate, 
 
 One was called out, then there were eight. 
 
 Eight little boys, recess at eleven, 
 One ran away, then there were seven. 
 
 Seven little boys got into a fix. 
 
 One was sent home, then there were six. 
 
 Six little boys for a prize did strive. 
 One missed a word, then there were five. 
 
 Five little boys studied all the more, 
 One played truant, then there were four. 
 
 Four little boys climbed into a tree, 
 One fell out, then there were three. 
 
 Three little boys seeing what they could do, 
 One cut a caper, then there were two. 
 
 Two little boys with work nearly done, 
 One lost his book, then there was one. 
 
 One little boy studying all alone, 
 He fell asleep, then there were none. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES ' 43 
 
 THE CHILD'S IDEA OP HEAVEN. 
 
 CLARA. 
 
 See, sister mine, how blue the sky, 
 The fleecy clouds, how white ! 
 
 How beautiful must heaven be. 
 When the wrong side's so bright ! 
 
 LUVIA. 
 
 Oh, yes, dear Clara, don't you know 
 
 Of heaven we are told. 
 That there are lovely mansions there, 
 
 And the streets are paved with gold ? 
 And there are waters clear and bright, 
 
 And pastures soft and green. 
 And tliere are flowers more beautiful 
 
 Than e'er on earth are seen. 
 
 CLAIIA. 
 
 And think you there are little lambs, 
 
 And many a singing bird. 
 To skip and play and music make, 
 
 As in these woods are heard ? 
 
 LUVIA. 
 
 Oh, there the children are the lambs, 
 
 And holy are their plays. 
 And angels make the music there. 
 
 In songs of prayer and praise. 
 
44 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 CLARA. 
 
 And do you think tliey have such days 
 
 Of sunshine and of rain ? 
 And do the angels go to sleep 
 
 When night has come again ? 
 
 LUVIA. 
 
 Oh, sister dear, how strange you talk! 
 
 The angels never sleep, 
 But sing and work, and all the time 
 
 Their holy vigils keep. 
 
 CLARA. 
 
 But do they never weary grow 
 
 When it is coming night ? 
 And are the evenings very dark, 
 
 Or does the moon give light ? 
 
 LUVIA. 
 
 'Tis never dark in heaven, dear. 
 
 For Jesus makes it light, 
 And though they have no sun, nor moon, 
 
 There comes no gloomy night. 
 
 CLARA. 
 
 How beautiful must heaven be ! 
 
 How briglit it must appear ! 
 And mother says that we should make 
 
 A little heaven here. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 45 
 
 BOTH. 
 
 Yes, so we should, and so we will, 
 
 By little acts of love, 
 That earth, our present happy home, 
 
 May seem like that above. 
 
 THE MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY. 
 
 Scene. — Mother siUing sewing by table, on which is a basket 
 of work. Enter chiUh^en, Etmna and Jennie with baskets 
 of leaves and floivers, Willie ivilh pail of fish, and Eddie 
 with pockets full of pebbles, Jennie's apron torn. 
 
 MOTHER. 
 
 O WHERE have you been, my dears ? 
 
 where have you wandered at play ? 
 Your cheeks are red and your aprons torn, 
 
 where have you been to-day ? 
 
 EMMA. 
 
 Dear mother, we've been to the brook and the woods, 
 
 And down in the violet dell, 
 And now we've come back with baskets full, 
 
 And each a story to tell. 
 
 WILLIE, JENNIE, AND EDDIE ((ill talking at OYIC^. 
 
 Willie : Yes, mother — Jennie — mamma, mamma 
 
 dear ! 
 Eddie : Why, mamma, just listen to me — 
 Willie : Here are the fishes I caught from the brook, 
 Jennie : We have lots we want you to see. 
 
46 SPEAKmG PIECES 
 
 EMMA. 
 
 Come, Willie and Jennie and Eddie dear, 
 
 You all talk away so fast, 
 That mother will tire of your chatter and noise, 
 
 And not hear our stories at last. 
 
 MOTHER. 
 
 Yes, children gay, your sister is right — 
 Will, carry your fish to the cook. 
 
 I guess your story will surely be 
 Some adventure beside the brook. 
 
 WILLIE. 
 
 And, mother, all these fish are yours : 
 
 We'll crown you queen to-day, 
 And each some gift to honor you 
 
 Before your feet will lay. 
 And these are mine, — but dripping wet : 
 
 I'll leave them out with Ann. 
 Now, girls, you wait^till I come back; 
 
 I'll go as quick's I can. {Exit.) 
 
 JENNIE. 
 
 O mamma, such a funny scrape ! 
 And Eddie had a fall, — 
 
 EDDIE. 
 
 Come, now. Miss Jennie, hold your tongue, 
 Or you will tell it all. 
 
 i 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 47 
 
 JENNIE (calling). 
 Come, Willie, I can never wait ! 
 {Enter Willie.) 
 
 WILLIE. 
 
 Now, Emma, you begin, 
 And tell your story of the brook, 
 How Eddie tumbled in. 
 
 EMMA. 
 
 Why, ma, since this is holiday, 
 
 And your birthday beside, 
 We said we'd have a splendid time 
 
 If we couldn't go to ride. 
 And I proposed we wander out 
 
 And gather pretty things. 
 And bring you back a generous store 
 
 Of birthday offerings. 
 And Willie said we'd make you queen, 
 
 And give you such a crown. 
 And be such loving subjects too, 
 
 That you could never frown. 
 And first we went down to the brook. 
 
 And Willie caught his fish, 
 For, as you know, he chose to bring 
 
 To you a sumptuous dish. 
 And Eddie caught a little dace, 
 
 And thought it good as trout, 
 And pulled so quickly he fell in 
 
 Just as the fish came out. 
 
48 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 I scrambled down and caught his arm 
 
 Before he hardly cried, 
 But Jennie screamed and thought him drowned, 
 
 And asked if he had died. 
 I took his shoes and stockings off, 
 
 And laid them neatly by, 
 And told him he must run and play 
 
 Until his clothes were dry. 
 
 EDDIE. 
 
 She put my shoes, and stockings too, 
 
 In her basket under the flowers, 
 And Jennie and I went running on 
 
 To find these things of ours. 
 And we heard a drumming, drumming sound. 
 
 And Jennie was afraid. 
 When an old gray partridge started up 
 
 From a place in the hemlock shade. 
 We looked to find the partridge's nest 
 
 Among the ferns and weeds, — 
 
 JENNIE. 
 
 O we found a little hum-bird^s nest, 
 With eggs like little beads. 
 
 EDDIE. 
 
 Wait, Jennie, till my story's told, — 
 
 The nest we couldn't find ; 
 And while we hunted all about, 
 
 Willie came up behind, 
 i And gave a hoot like some old owl, 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 49 
 
 That made us jump with fear. 
 He told us partridges were shy, 
 
 Aud the nest might not be near. 
 And then we went all through the woods, 
 
 And the girls just gathered flowers, 
 While Will and I climbed up the trees, 
 
 And called them lofty towers. 
 
 WILLIE. 
 
 Come, Ed, you make your story long ; 
 
 Let Jennie speak — you know 
 She's waited all this long, long time, 
 
 When her tongue aches so to go. 
 We left the woods with a scramble and run, 
 
 To get to the orchard trees, 
 And the song of the brook we left behind, 
 
 For the hum of the buzzinsr bees. 
 
 JEXXIE. 
 
 O yes, 'twas in the orchard, ma, 
 
 Will climbed an apple-tree. 
 And found the little hum-bird's nest, 
 
 And called us all to see. 
 ma, 'tis such a cunning thing ! 
 
 I wanted it for you ; 
 But Emma said the bird would cry. 
 
 And it would never do. 
 Such little eggs in such a nest 
 
 I never saw before, — 
 Two eggs ; and Emma said that there 
 
 Were never any more. 
 
50 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 I scratched my arm, my apron tore, 
 
 In the old rough apple-tree, 
 And guess I'd have cried when my basket fell, 
 
 If they hadn't laughed at me. 
 
 And Emma said I should have her moss. 
 
 And I should crown you queen, 
 And give you the bud from her own rosebush. 
 
 With leaves and mosses green. 
 And she could find something else, she said, 
 
 She thought would do as well. 
 
 EMMA. 
 
 There, Jennie, that, I think, will do, 
 'Tis all you need to tell. 
 
 WILLIE. 
 
 Now, mother, lay aside your work, 
 
 And Jennie, get your crown ; 
 For if they are not soon relieved, 
 
 Ed's pockets will break down. 
 
 {Mother lays aside her work, Willie removes her work- 
 basket from table, Emma takes from her basket loreaXh of 
 leaves and flowers, hands it to Jennie, who x>laces it on 
 mother's head, and all sing or say ;) 
 
 With vines and flowers from God's dear fields, 
 
 We crown our queen to-day ; 
 For in our hearts and in our lives, 
 
 Our mother holds the sway. 
 
 i 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 51 
 
 JENNIE. 
 
 Oh, is she not a lovely queen ? 
 {Handing moss and rosebud from her basket.') 
 
 Here, mamma, is my rose, 
 And you must make a little speech 
 
 For each of us, to close. 
 
 MOTHER (taking them and arranging them on table). 
 
 Dear Jennie, then, I take your gift, 
 
 And liken it to you : 
 Its beauty and its fragrant life 
 
 Whisper a story true, 
 Of a little girl who gladdens me 
 
 With sunshine bright and gay ; 
 And as this bud will soon unfold, 
 
 My Jennie grows each day. 
 And may your life fore'er, my dear. 
 
 From now until its close, 
 Grow sweeter with each passing day. 
 
 Like the fragrant heart of a rose. 
 
 EDDIE {taking pebbles from pockets). 
 
 My gift is pebbles from the brook : 
 
 They looked so bright and round, 
 I waded in up to my knees. 
 
 Where the neatest ones were found. 
 You know you said, the other day, 
 
 " Sermons there are in stones," 
 And I thought that you could preach to me 
 
 From all these pretty ones. 
 
52 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 MOTHER. 
 
 Thank you, my son : they call to mind 
 
 A lad Oi long ago, 
 Who gathered pebbles from the brook 
 
 That laid a giant low. 
 As David great Goliath slew 
 
 By weapons weak and small. 
 So little thoughts and deeds of good 
 
 IMay make bad habits fall. 
 And from this story you may learn 
 
 A lesson glad and bright, 
 That ever in your daily life 
 
 God favors truth and right. 
 
 WILLIE. 
 
 Dear mother, my fish preparing now, 
 To give our queen a meal. 
 
 While hunger they must satisfy. 
 What truth can they reveal ? 
 
 MOTHER. 
 
 The humble fishermen of old, 
 
 On stormy Galilee, 
 Were blessed above the greatest men 
 
 Who sail the open sea. 
 Our Book beloved has many a tale 
 
 Of Him who came to save. 
 When with the fishermen he sailed, 
 
 Or walked upon the wave. 
 O Holy King! precious Lord ! 
 
 Who loved the humble craft, 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 63 
 
 And to the lumgry, weary ones. 
 
 Gave suck a v/ondrous draught ; 
 And called on them to follow Him 
 
 Whose life on the sea had been, 
 And gave to them the promise good, 
 
 To make them fishers of men ; 
 So He calls on us all to-day, my son, 
 
 To cast our hook and line, 
 And, by the influence of pure lives, 
 
 Draw hearts to the love Divine, 
 
 EMMA (taking hunch of violets from basket). 
 
 My gift, dear mamma, is not much; 
 
 It came from the violet dell ; 
 I knew these blue-eyed blossoms fair, 
 
 Would please your fancy well. 
 
 MOTHER. 
 
 My dear, a lovely little gift. 
 
 With language pure and sweet, 
 A modest flower, like modest lives, 
 
 With fragrance all replete. 
 And these seem dearer to my heart, 
 
 And fairer to my eyes. 
 That they can speak with perfume sweet, 
 
 Of my child's self-sacrifice. 
 In giving Jennie joy to-day, 
 
 And comfort when she fell, 
 You bring a better hope to me, 
 
 Than I can ever tell, 
 
64 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Por in your life, my precious girl, 
 
 Your heart will ever meet, 
 For every rose you give away, 
 
 A blessing far more sweet. 
 My children all — no better crown, 
 
 Save that which waits above, , 
 A mother's heart can ever ask 
 
 Than this — her children's love. 
 
 THE MONTHS. 
 
 {For Tioelve Speakers,) 
 JANUARY. 
 
 I WELCOME in the glad New Year, 
 The sleigh-bells jingle in the ear. 
 And merry voices, sweet and clear, 
 Give back gay words of greeting cheer ; 
 While fields of snow lie far and near. 
 And promises of good appear 
 To freshen hope and banish fear, 
 
 happy montn of the gay New Year ! 
 
 FEBRUARY. 
 
 With less of night and more of day 
 
 1 come, but short must be my stay ; 
 And Cupid, full of roguish play, 
 Sends valentines both sweet and gay, 
 With arrows hid in their folds away. 
 little god, that may betray, 
 
 And make his game a serious play 
 To those who hail my fourteenth day. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 55 
 
 MARCH. 
 
 Ho ! blustering March. ! I come to you, 
 
 With airy greetings, healthy and true ; 
 
 A few of my gales, and the winter is through. 
 
 I hastened spring when my trump I blew, 
 
 For the flowers underground my great voice knew ; 
 
 And I have the making of presidents, too : 
 
 They blossom out earlier than other flowers do, 
 
 And once in four years, I give one to you. 
 
 APRIL. 
 
 I come with blended smiles and tears, 
 With tender hopes and trembling fears. 
 And all the earth my coming cheers ; 
 A promise glad for eyes and ears. 
 As voices sweet the spring-time hears. 
 And on the upland slo]3e appears 
 A tender hint that summer nears, 
 And smiles will triumph over tears. 
 
 MAY. 
 
 I come, I come from lands of bloom. 
 To gladden earth and conquer gloom ; 
 As though my coming foretold doom, 
 Each tidy housewife grasps her broom. 
 And battles with dirt in every room ; 
 But I serenely shed perfume, 
 And deck each precious soldier's tomb ^ 
 With tributes of love — a wealth of bloom. 
 
56 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 JUNE. 
 
 Of all the montlis, I am the queen, 
 Dressed in my robes of flowing green, 
 With flowers each airy fold between, 
 With verdant fields and skies serene, 
 And placid lakes of silver sheen. 
 . The promises m April seen 
 Are here fulfilled in my demesne, 
 As, golden crowned, I stand the queen. 
 
 JULY. 
 
 sister mine, scarcely less fair. 
 With longer days and softer air, 
 
 1 claim of summer's wealth a share. 
 A darker robe of green I wear. 
 With jewels in my flowing hair ; 
 The nation's glory, too, I share. 
 
 The heroes' shout, and trumpet blare. 
 My grand old Fourth will e'er declare. 
 
 AUGUST. 
 
 Ah, soft and dreamy are my days, 
 
 Half-hidden in a purple haze. 
 
 The cattle on the upland graze, 
 
 And each at twilight homeward strays, 
 
 Feeding beside the dusty ways. 
 
 The farm-boy half forgets his plays. 
 
 And on his errand oft delays. 
 
 To dream some dream of future days. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 57 
 
 SEPTEMBER. 
 
 I come from a land of blue and gold, 
 And shimmering robes my form infold. 
 Kissed by the summer, now grown old, 
 Clasped by the autumn young and bold. 
 My days are warm and nights are cold ; 
 Flowers and fruits together I hold. 
 October comes, and my story is told, 
 A transient gleam of blue and gold. 
 
 OCTOBEK. 
 
 I come, I come in gorgeous dress. 
 
 With bountiful gifts to cheer and bless. 
 
 I come w^ith a smile and a soft caress. 
 
 But wherever abroad my footsteps press, 
 
 I leave, with a shoAv of tenderness, 
 
 Though touched with gold, a blight, I confess, 
 
 And then, by way of making redress, 
 
 I shower my fruits to cheer and bless. 
 
 NOVEMBER. 
 
 Spread wide, friends, your festal board ! 
 I come from a land well stocked and stored, 
 And share with you October's hoard. 
 The sweetest and best the fields afford. 
 Call in the crowd and praise the Lord, 
 Let friends and neighbors be restored, 
 And the G-iver of all in love adored ; 
 Come in, come in and praise the Lord. 
 
58 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 DECEMBER. 
 
 I come at the call of the great Frost King, 
 Whose glistening diamonds abroad I fling ; 
 I hold a promise better than spring, 
 For the greatest of blessings was mine to bring 
 It made the stars and the angels sing, 
 And all the Universe gladly ring, — 
 The birth of a child — no little thing — 
 The birth of a Saviour — our Heavenly King. 
 
 THE HOLIDAYS, OR CHRISTMAS 
 CROWNED. 
 
 (Six speakers represent the Holidays, and several little 
 ones rejoeat the last stanza, and crown the last of the six 
 speakers.) 
 
 NEW YEAR. 
 
 I AM the New Year, young and gay, 
 
 I merrily shout and sing, 
 Let the old year go and the new one stay, 
 
 For new hopes and joys I bring. 
 A happy New Year, a happy New YeaT, 
 Goes round the world in a song of cheer. 
 
 EASTER. 
 
 I represent a time as glad' 
 
 When flowers burst into bloom, 
 And Nature speaks, in verdure clad, 
 
 Of life beyond the tomb. 
 At Easter time, 'mid sun and showers, 
 The cross is hidden by the flowers. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 59 
 
 DECORATION. 
 
 I come with, all the bloom of May, 
 
 And pause in every town, 
 In memory of the blue and gray 
 
 To lay my trophies down. p 
 
 blossom, flowers, above each grave, 
 Where sweetly sleep our honored brave. 
 
 INDEPENDENCE. 
 
 1 come with trump and bugle call, 
 And boys are in my train, 
 
 And when I cheer, the great and small 
 
 Give answer back again. 
 And all the land awakes to say 
 Hurrah ! 'tis Independence Day. 
 
 THANKSGIVING. 
 
 I'm laden, friends, with the fat o' the land ; 
 
 I come with joy and glee, 
 To re-unj^e each household band 
 
 Which, comes to feast with me. 
 And dear old homes resound once more 
 To the song and laughter they loved of yore. 
 
 CHRISTMAS. 
 
 I come, the old story to repeat, 
 
 Of the child in the manger low ; 
 Though old, 'tis always so welcome and sweet. 
 
 You love to hear it, I know. 
 For without the light the Saviour brought. 
 Our holidays all would be as naught. 
 
60 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 SEVERAL LITTLE ONES WITH CROAVN. 
 
 Of all the holidays of the year, 
 We own the Christmas best, 
 
 And hail his coming with good cheer, 
 Whom all the world has blest. 
 
 As King among these days renowned, 
 
 The merry Christmas shall be crowned. 
 (Place crown on his head.) 
 
 THE GROSS AT EASTER. 
 
 {Have a plain board cross securely fastened so it ivill stand 
 firmly, and nails in it to receive the wreaths and garlands 
 from each speaker. For convenience, trailing evergreens 
 rtiight be lying with ends fastened at the foot, ready for the 
 First Speaker to wind about the cross.) 
 
 FIRST SPEAKER. 
 
 Here we set this plain, rude cross, 
 
 Symbol of a love divine : 
 Of a Saviour's sacrifice. 
 
 This the outward sign. 
 
 From that sacrifice there sprang 
 Gifts the best the earth has known, 
 
 Fairest flowers and sweetest fruits 
 From the precious seed blood sown. 
 
 So about this humble symbol. 
 
 Flowers and evergreens we twine ; 
 
 Giving it a triple meaning, 
 Love and hope and life divine. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 61 
 
 Here I wind tlie trailing verdure 
 Which no winter time has killed ; 
 
 Emblem of the life immortal, 
 
 Which the blessed Lord hath willed. 
 
 SECOND SPEAKER. 
 
 Bring I Easter lilies white, 
 
 Blossoms for the Easter mom, 
 Eesurrected from the night, 
 
 From the winter freshly born. 
 
 THIRD SPEAKER. 
 
 I with leaves all fresh and tender, 
 Wreathe the suffering cross he bore, 
 
 And in life renewed and blessed, 
 We remember death no more. 
 
 Fourth speaker. 
 
 Mine are flowers of glowing crimson 
 Of His passion may they speak. 
 
 Giving hope unto the fainting, 
 Giving strength unto the weak. 
 
 FIFTH SPEAKER. 
 
 Mine the flowers of Easter time. 
 Paschal bloom of purple hue, 
 
 Mixed the blood red on the lintel ^ 
 With the heavens own peaceful blue. 
 
 1 See Exodus xii. 22. 
 
62 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 SIXTH SPEAKER. 
 
 Mine a wreath of brilliant yellow, . 
 
 Would it were a jewelled crown, 
 Emblem of Christ's coronation, 
 
 With the plaited thorns laid down. 
 
 SEVENTH SPEAKER. 
 
 Mine the offering most lovely, 
 Which will speak of faith and peace. 
 
 Heaven's own blue when storms are over, 
 And all pain has found release. 
 
 ALL. 
 
 See ! oh, see the plain, rude cross, 
 Now a thing of life and bloom ! 
 
 Christ arisen, thus transforming 
 Every place of doubt and gloom. 
 
 Let Him, then, oh friends, to-day 
 In our hearts and lives arise. 
 
 That we find the Avondrous glory 
 Springing from His sacrifice. 
 
 A NEW YEAR'S EXERCISE. 
 
 First Voice : A happy New Year, 
 
 Second Voice : A happy New Year, 
 
 Chorus of Voices : A happy New Year. 
 
 First Voice : Why a happy New Year ? 
 
 Second Voice : For the friends that are here, 
 
 Third Voice : For the hopes that appear, 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 63 
 
 Fourth Voice : For the good that is near, 
 Chorus of Voices : A happy New Year. 
 
 First Voice : But some friends are dead, 
 
 Second Voice : And some hopes are fled, 
 
 TJdrcl Voice: And sin lifts up its head, 
 
 Fourth Voice : And there is so much to dread; 
 Chorus of Voices : Still a happy New Year. 
 
 First Voice : Why a happy New Year, 
 
 Second Voice : When hearts hold a fear. 
 
 Third Voice : And eyes shed a tear, 
 
 Fourth Voice : For faces and voices that nowhere 
 
 appear ? 
 Chorus of Voices : A happy New Year. 
 
 First Voice: Out from the song that the angels 
 
 sung, 
 
 Second Voice: When through the skies the sweet 
 
 chorus rung, 
 
 Third Voice : And to the glad promise the good 
 
 shepherds clung. 
 
 Fourth Voice: The echoes still fall earth's chil- 
 
 dren among. 
 
 Chorus of Voices : A happy New Year. 
 
 First Voice : Then a glad New Year 
 
 For the hopes that are here, 
 For the faith with good cheer, 
 For the love without fear ; 
 
 Chorus of Voices : A happy New Year. 
 
64 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Second Voice: In God's loving care, 
 
 We all have a share, 
 Friends here and elsewhere, 
 He is here, — He is there ; 
 
 Chorus of Voices : A happy New Year. 
 
 Third Voice : Though dark is the night, 
 
 And wrong hides the right, 
 This thought keep in sight. 
 With God it is light ; 
 
 Chorus of Voices : A happy New Year. 
 
 Fourth Voice : And our loved and our lost. 
 Who the dark river crossed, 
 Or in life's tempest tossed, 
 With God are not lost j 
 
 Chorus of Voices : A happy New Year. 
 
 First Voice : A happy New Year, 
 
 Second Voice : A happy New Year, 
 Chorus of Voices : A happy New Year. 
 
 CHRISTMAS. 
 
 Bring the evergreens and holly. 
 Bring the music and the song, 
 Chase away the melancholy, 
 By the pleasures bright and jolly. 
 Which to Christmas time belong. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 6b 
 
 NEW YEAR'S GREETING. 
 
 Fi7-st Girl : Ix the joyoiisness of this holiday, 
 Away from the world and its din, 
 We gather here from our work and play, 
 
 To welcome the New Year in. 
 We gather here at the pleasant call, 
 All: And wish a "Happy New Year" to 
 you all. 
 
 Second Girl: May the year begun be happy and good. 
 May no sorrow your hearts appall ; 
 But glad and bright, with love's own 
 light, 
 All : A " Happy New Year " to you all. 
 
 Third Girl: May you thankful be in the broad sun- 
 light ! 
 And if shadows around you fall, 
 May you find sweet peace in the troubled 
 night, 
 All : A " Happy New Year " to you all. 
 
 Fourth Girl: May you walk aright in the path of 
 light. 
 May no sin your steps inthrall. 
 That angels may say, at the last great 
 day. 
 All: " 'Twas a ' Happy New Year ' to you 
 all.'^ 
 
6Q SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 CHRISTMAS MORNING. 
 
 GIRL (callinfj). 
 Wake ! wake ! and meet me, brother ; 
 
 See, the rosy dawning light 
 Streams across the eastern sky, 
 
 On this Christmas morning bright. 
 
 BOY (entermg). 
 Do you think I'm sleeping, sister, 
 
 On this happiest morn of all ? 
 I have long been waiting here 
 
 For your merry Christmas call. 
 
 GIRL. 
 
 See, our stockings in the corner, 
 Which we left so lank and lean, 
 
 Now are full from top to toe, 
 
 Round and plump as e'er were seen. 
 
 BOY. 
 
 Yes, old Santa Claus came softly 
 With these gifts for you and me ; 
 
 Came and went, and never waked us j 
 What a fairy sprite is he ! 
 
 GIRL. 
 
 Yes, and do you never wonder 
 
 Where he stays the livelong year ? 
 
 For we never hear about him 
 
 'Till the Christmas time draws near. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 67 
 
 BOY. 
 
 Oh, he lives in joy, my sister, 
 
 In the tender hearts of friends, 
 And each loving thought we cherish 
 
 With the gifts he brings ns blends. 
 'Tis no wonder, then, dear sister, 
 
 That his coining gives us cheer, 
 That we hail, and give him honor. 
 
 Since 'tis love that brings him here. 
 
 GIRL. 
 
 Let us, then, no longer tarry 
 
 Erom the good our stockings hold ; 
 
 For to give us joy, I'm certain 
 Love is better far than gold. 
 
 BOY. 
 
 Yes, we'll go and find, I'm thinking, 
 
 Every gift that he has brought 
 Is a token, rare and tender, 
 
 Of a wise and lovin.o: thou.2rht. 
 
PART II 
 
 FOE OLDER SPEAKEBS 
 
OUR SCHOOL. 
 
 Here the raaples tall and stately, 
 Lift their graceful branches high, 
 
 Eeach their arms to fold in sunlight, 
 Underneath the arching sky. 
 
 Lovely robes of softest emerald 
 Drape in spring their giant forms, 
 
 Growing darker, growing denser, 
 In the. summer's suns and storms. 
 
 In September's golden footsteps 
 
 Comes a change so quick and bright ; 
 
 And the leaves are all in glory 
 For October's fickle light. 
 
 But the change here never pauses, — 
 
 Soon the trees in colder air, 
 In Kovember's grayer mornings, 
 
 Lift their pencilled branches bare. 
 
 Passing up the northward street. 
 Peering through the maple-trees, 
 
 Nestling in their quiet shadows. 
 At the right, the traveller sees 
 
 Schoolhouse white, with open doors, 
 Smiling, like a dear old friend ; 
 
 Where the hum of youth and childhood, 
 With the outside breezes blend., 
 71 
 
72 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Walking up the shaded pathway, 
 Echoes come from Learning's halls, 
 
 For the germ of knowledge nestles 
 Here within these schoolhouse walls. 
 
 See the bright and happy faces, 
 
 Bent above the daily task ; 
 And be sure our prayers are answered, 
 
 For the blessing that we ask. 
 
 Turning out the men and women. 
 Using books, you know, for tools ; 
 
 Giving thought and tone and smoothness. 
 By stern Mathematic's rules.- 
 
 And a deeper work is moving, 
 Than is seen by careless eyes. 
 
 Greater the equations solving, 
 Than of x's and of y's. 
 
 Added labor brings refinement. 
 And subtracting foolish thoughts, 
 
 Leaves alone the true and noble. 
 Cancelling the doubtful blots ; 
 
 Multiplying love and kindness, 
 
 And dividing all our cares. 
 Brings the problem out correctly. 
 
 And makes equal all our shares. 
 
 Philosophic laws Ave ponder. 
 
 Gravitation here is found, 
 And adhesion or cohesion. 
 
 Holds us to our daily round. 
 
SPEAKIKG PIECES 73 
 
 Through geography we travel, 
 
 Over countries far and near, 
 Measuring their distances 
 
 From our little corner here. 
 
 As in life, so in the schoolroom, 
 There are things that will perplex ; 
 
 And we're often analyzing 
 Sentences the most complex. 
 
 In our life's long analyzing, 
 
 Though the lessons hard appear, 
 
 May we have the cheerful spirit. 
 
 Which makes glad our ^^^rsmr/ here. 
 
 We are writing, writing daily. 
 
 Copies for each other's hand ; 
 And united, we are making 
 
 Just one composition grand. 
 
 Which through life we may read over, 
 
 And recall each sunny face. 
 That upon the page of memory 
 
 Leaves its bright and happy trace. 
 
 In our lives may all our lessons 
 
 And our work be nobly done ; 
 And the prize of noble living 
 
 By each pupil here be won. 
 
 Highest mark of good deportment 
 
 May we all at last receive. 
 Written in the book of heaven. 
 
 When the school of earth we leave. 
 
74 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 THE HILLSIDE COASTERS. 
 
 Brightly falls the winter sunlight, 
 On the fields of sparkling snow; 
 
 Clearly rings the boyish whistle, 
 Where the merry coasters go. 
 
 Up and down the crusted hillside, 
 On the clear and frosty air, 
 
 Comes the sound of laughing voices ; 
 Boys and girls tlie coasting share. 
 
 Far away from busy city, 
 Far away from hum of town, 
 
 In the play-time as in life-work. 
 Toiling up, and sliding down. 
 
 Eosy cheeks and eyes all sparkling, 
 Joy and grace that health can give ; 
 
 In their faces written brightly, 
 " 'Tis a blessed thing to live." 
 
 Generous hearts so warm and tender, 
 Beating 'neath the homely dress ; 
 
 Growing minds on these free hillsides, 
 Future years shall know and bless. 
 
 Little hands so brown and hardy. 
 May work out a great reform ; 
 
 Voices now so sweet and merry, 
 Yet may quell a nation's storm. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 75 
 
 Where the Demon of Intemperance 
 
 Talent, truth, and love immerse, 
 These brown hands may toil with vigor, 
 
 And uproot the nation's curse. 
 
 ^Tis to hearts so brave and tender. 
 
 Joined with frames of strength and health, 
 
 That we look in hope and gladness. 
 For the nation's coming wealth. 
 
 MAGGIE GRAY. 
 
 When war his brazen trumpet blew, 
 Through all our precious land, 
 
 Brave men with purpose high and true, 
 Joined many a marching band ; 
 
 But woman's work, in silence done, 
 
 As grand a victory often won. 
 
 And those who never fired a shot, 
 Nor glistening bayonet bore. 
 
 While sons and brothers bravely fought, 
 Christ's shining armor wore ; 
 
 And following the battle's wrath. 
 
 Strewed heart's-ease in the bloody path. 
 
 Near Eomney, on Potomac's shore, 
 
 Lived simple Maggie Gray, 
 With brain untroubled by book lore, 
 
 Or the questions of the day ; 
 But with warm heart and sturdy arm, 
 She helped her husband till the farm ; 
 
76 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 And reared her children tenderly, 
 
 Teaching by word and deed 
 " Good will to men," that charity 
 
 Which formed her simple creed ; 
 And when war came, she did not know 
 That any man could be her foe. 
 
 But from her side her eldest son 
 
 Was forced to march away. 
 And henceforth till the war was done, 
 
 To all in blue or gray, 
 Her mother-heart was wide and warm. 
 To take them in and shield from harm. 
 
 From Eomney's field the battle's roar 
 
 Came thundering to her ear ; 
 Her eyes a look of horror wore, 
 
 And her face was pale with fear ; 
 But 'mid all the terror and the din. 
 She never asked which side would win. 
 
 She only thought with bated breath, 
 Of the wounded and the slain ; 
 
 Of her son, perhaps e'en now in death, 
 Or moaning alive in pain. 
 
 And she sought the field with eager feet, 
 
 When the Southern army had made retreat. 
 
 And almost in sight of the victors' guns, 
 
 At close of that autumn day. 
 While she prayed for other mothers' sons. 
 
 She bore her own away. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 77 
 
 Her loving hands his wounds to dress, 
 And cheer him with her fond caress. 
 
 The morning sun saw clear and bright, 
 
 Adown the dusty way, 
 With bayonets gleaming in the light. 
 
 Twelve men in Southern gray, 
 One-half of whom our Maggie knew, 
 And one alone in Northern blue. 
 
 They paused her open gate before. 
 
 The leader cried aloud, — 
 " Ho ! Maggie Gray, throw wide your door, 
 
 And feed this hungry crowd ! " 
 And while at table they sat to eat. 
 They talked of plans and their late defeat. 
 
 And Maggie heard with stolid face. 
 
 As one who did not hear ; 
 While still she passed from place to place. 
 
 And gave them bread and beer, 
 She marked the Northern prisoner's air. 
 And judged him young and brave and fair. 
 
 He silent sat with downcast eyes, 
 
 While his captors laughed and jeered ; 
 
 He had curling locks a mother might prize. 
 And just the hint of a beard : 
 
 All fresh from school and his mother's arms. 
 
 With manhood's strength, and boyhood's charms. 
 
78 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 His foes incensed by the late defeat, 
 
 Were ready to sneer and rave ; 
 Tliey tore his boots from off his feet, 
 
 And talked of his early grave. 
 They quarrelled over his watch and gun, 
 And told him his trials had just begun. 
 
 Then the leader said, ^^ John Taylor, you, 
 
 With Paul Loraine for guide, 
 May take this Yankee wretch in blue. 
 
 To the Hardy County side, 
 By the way of the field and yonder wood, 
 For your safety lies in solitude." 
 
 He paused, and Maggie's gentle call 
 
 Was heard through an open door, — 
 "Come in and see my Harry, Paul, 
 
 ' Who marches now no more." 
 " Go, Paul, but short must be your stay, 
 For you and John must haste away." 
 
 And by the son who lay so low, j 
 
 Paul heard, with marked surprise, * 
 
 The mother plead for their common foe. 
 With tears in her loving eyes. 
 
 " Ay, Paul, you must save this Northern boy, 
 
 And send him back to his friends in joy." 
 
 But stern was the face of Paul Loraine, 
 
 His brow was knit with hate ; 
 " Nay, Maggie Gray, you plead in vain 
 
 Against this prisoner's fate. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 79 
 
 They hold my brother over there, 
 And who for him will think or care ? " 
 
 She clasped her hands ; ^^ God ! " she cried, 
 
 " Melt thou this heart of stone, 
 And make this boy a faithful guide 
 
 To this poor mother's son : 
 As he in mercy deals to-day, 
 Be done by him and his for aye ! " 
 
 She took his hand with tender clasp, 
 '^ Come, l^aul, your promise, say ; '^ 
 
 She felt the boy's impetuous grasp, 
 '' I promise, Maggie Gray." 
 
 Pie brushed a tear from his handsome eye, 
 
 And turned to Harry to say good-by. 
 
 As the leader gave his last command, 
 " And the men were intent to hear, 
 Maggie just touched the prisoner's hand. 
 
 And whispered in his ear, — 
 " Watch for a chance, and Paul Loraine 
 Will help you back to your friends again." 
 
 He was quick of brain and fleet of foot, 
 
 And Paul with cunning zest 
 Engaged John Taylor in dispute 
 
 On who could shoot the best ; 
 And as they tramped through field and wood, 
 They tried their guns to prove them good. 
 
80 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Emerged upon the broad highway, 
 
 With good down-grade a mile, 
 Paul bade the men their footsteps stay, 
 
 And watch for game a while ; 
 And pointing to a neighboring tree, 
 " Take aim ! " he cried ; " there, don't you see ? " 
 
 And John excited for the game. 
 
 Looked only toward the wood, 
 And while intent on taking aim. 
 
 Their prisoner took the road. 
 They turned too late, as they heard the sound 
 Of flying feet on the hard, dry, ground. 
 
 They started, shouted, fired their guns, 
 
 But safe was the boy in blue ; 
 And who were indeed the guilty ones, 
 
 John Taylor never knew. 
 Not three days later Paul Loraine 
 Welcomed his brother home again. 
 
 Wounded and sick ; but tender care 
 
 Was with him all the way — 
 An early answer to the prayer 
 
 Of simple Maggie Gray. 
 And though she never dreamed of fame, 
 Two women lived to bless her name. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 81 
 
 GOD IN EVERYTHING. 
 
 I HAVE found in the wild wood, among rocks and 
 briers and weeds, sometimes the sweetest flowers. I 
 remember once to have been riding tlirough a rough, 
 hilly country, where the rocks loomed above the road, 
 covered with a tangled growth of vines and bushes 
 and weeds. The hot summer sun blazed over my head, 
 and the dusty road stretched away before me, when, 
 to my delight, I suddenly heard the silver rippling of 
 falling water ; and behold ! apparently out of the rock, 
 in this lonely place, a laughing spring, fresh and cold ! 
 I have been much with children and youth who were 
 rough and uncouth in their ways, and often coarse and 
 rude, and have found beneath the harsh exterior, the 
 sweetest waters of human love, ready to flow at a kind 
 word. I have known girls who were called gay, and 
 frivolous, and fashionable, to show a sweet, womanly 
 spirit, and have heard them express earnest desires 
 for noble living. I have seen great, stout, profane 
 men, from whom I shrank, show a tenderness like a 
 woman's toward some little helpless child ; — and I 
 have come to look for God in everything that He has 
 made. I know His image is sadly polluted, and that 
 everywhere evil is mixed with the good : but I praise 
 Him that there is good, and ask for a clearer vision to 
 read it aright ; — for skill to pluck the flov/ers and 
 fruits, and leave the weeds and thorns ; — for a heart 
 to rejoice in waters fresh and sweet, however rough 
 the rocks from which they flow; and for a charity 
 sublime, that will infold and glorify all that God may 
 bring around me. 
 
B2 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 SEPTEMBER. 
 
 September lias come in her glory again, 
 
 To teach us a lesson sublime ; 
 To wake up the pure and good in our hearts, 
 
 By the mellowing autumn-time. 
 
 That lesson is written in letters of light, 
 
 Wherever our footsteps go ; 
 Be it uj) where the mountain stands in pride, 
 
 Or down where the waters flow. 
 
 The laughing sky bends down to kiss 
 
 The forest all aflame ; 
 Tor it finds new beauty on its brow, 
 
 Since the magical autumn came. 
 
 There was light and joy in the sunny spring. 
 With its robes of emerald green ; 
 
 And laughter in the halls of earth, 
 When the summer-time was seen. 
 
 But a holy light and a radiant glow. 
 
 Were left for the closing year, 
 When the varied hues of her garments rare, 
 
 Tell that decay is near. 
 
 O autumn wood, with leaves of fire. 
 
 And carpet soft and bright. 
 Laid out in shadowy checks and lines 
 
 By the flickering rays of light. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 83 
 
 How oft in childhood's happy hour, 
 
 We've revelled in thy glow ; 
 Sole owners, in a world of light, 
 
 Where'er our feet might go. 
 
 On the carpet of crimson and brown and gold, 
 
 Just under the maple-trees. 
 We sat in the glow of the afternoon, 
 
 And braided the brilliant leaves. 
 
 I see to-day the laughing face 
 
 Of the playmate by my side, 
 Who, older than I, had a teacher's part, 
 
 My awkward hands to guide. 
 
 And when the sun went slowly down. 
 
 The shadows longer grew. 
 We sauntered home in our borrowed robes 
 
 Of ever-varying hue. 
 
 W^e laid by our wealth of crimson and gold, 
 
 Till the morrow's ha^^py dawn ; 
 When, alas ! as we drew them forth to light, 
 
 Their beauty all had gone. 
 
 Just like the shining hopes we hide 
 
 AVithin our hearts to-day. 
 That wither ere to-morrow's sun, 
 
 And fade like them away. 
 
 Long years of bloom and light and life, 
 
 Stand then and now between, 
 Each with its wealth of autumn gold, 
 
 And summer's laughing green. 
 
8i SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Again the leaves are turning fast, 
 
 And falling in the light ; 
 But they tremble clown, all silently, 
 
 On Jennie's grave to-night. 
 
 They've wrapped it in their gorgeous folds, 
 
 From winter's chilling blast, 
 And slept beside the marble slab, 
 
 For many autumns past. 
 
 September has light, and gems of gold, 
 Of beauty and brilliancy rare ; 
 
 But brighter the light on the other shore, 
 And the gold unfading there ! 
 
 THE HUSKING. 
 
 Oh ! grpoudfather's barn was as jolly a place 
 
 As ever you saw on earth. 
 When its rafters and beams re-echoed again, 
 
 With the merry busker's mirth. 
 
 You may talk of the dance and the skating-rink, 
 
 The opera and the ball, 
 But a husking-bee in grandfather's barn 
 
 Was merrier than them all. 
 
 At one of these there gathered once, 
 
 A group of boys and girls, 
 With Cupid lurking in their eyes, 
 
 And mischief 'neath their curls. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 85 
 
 Witliout, the harvest moon rode high, 
 
 Within, tin lanterns hung, 
 And lights and shadows grotesque and queer 
 
 On the laughing huskers flung. 
 
 The unhusked corn was piled in stacks, 
 
 As high as the room would hold ; 
 And soon some minor piles appeared, 
 
 Of bright and shining gold. 
 
 For skilful fingers pulled the husks 
 
 From off the yellow grain, 
 While laugh and banter went the rounds, 
 
 And echoed back again. 
 
 They were working thus, in merry glee, 
 
 When, hark ! wdiat did I hear ? 
 'Twas the quick wild shout of the lucky one, 
 
 Who had found the first red ear. 
 
 And the answering shout which rose at once, 
 
 Throughout the old barn floor. 
 When Johnny Grimes, with rapid strides, 
 
 Commenced his forfeit tour. 
 
 Now, truth to tell, this Johnny Grimes, " 
 
 Wherever he was seen. 
 Was pointed out by lad and lass, 
 
 As being very green. 
 
 Upon his face some sad mishaps 
 
 Had left most mournful scars ; 
 And his gait, the country girls declared. 
 
 Was like " a pair of bars." 
 
86 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 He grasped the ear which told his fate, 
 The girls looked on in dread, 
 
 And gathered up their flowing skirts 
 Where Jonathan should tread. 
 
 With beaming smiles and constant bows, 
 Through the corn he made his way 
 
 To a corner where on a pumpkin sat 
 Miss laughing Jennie Gray. 
 
 She started, with a little scream, 
 
 And made a quick retreat, 
 And said that Johnny Grimes might have 
 
 Her pumpkin for a seat. 
 
 But no ! that ear of glistening red 
 
 Had promised something more ; 
 So he pursued the flying one 
 
 Around the great barn floor. 
 
 'Mid shouts and cheers the corn was crushed, 
 
 'Neath Johnny's awkward feet ; 
 And Jennie climbed an unhusked stack, 
 
 In making her retreat. 
 
 Of course young Grimes came clambering up, 
 
 Quite sure now of his prize ; 
 But an escape yet showed itself 
 
 To Jennie's watchful eyes. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 87 
 
 She stepped upon the scaffold floor, 
 
 Above the sleeping kine ; 
 And Johnny for the selfsame spot, 
 
 Struck out a quick " bee-line.'' 
 
 But ah, the plank 'neath Johnny's feet 
 
 Was fated then to crack. 
 And down he came with sudden force, 
 
 Upon an old cow's back. 
 
 The cow, affrighted and surprised. 
 
 From the stanchion wrenched her head ; 
 
 And with Johnny still upon her back, 
 Through the stable door-way fled. 
 
 And then like Gilpin famed of old. 
 
 With coat-tails out behind. 
 At frightful speed the young man rode. 
 
 And thrice the barn-yard lined. 
 
 The old barn rang Avith screams of mirth 
 From those on the floor inside ; 
 
 And all considered naught so rich 
 As Johnny's cow-back ride. 
 
 And in that town e'en to this day. 
 
 The story may you hear, 
 How Johnny Grimes his forfeit paid, 
 
 For finding that red ear. 
 
88 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 RING FREEDOM'S BELLS. 
 
 Ring, Freedom's bells, across all lands ! 
 
 Ring, happy bells, from shore to shore ! 
 Until your echoes from far strands 
 
 Come back to us once more. 
 Ring out a blood-bought country's worth ; 
 
 joyful bells, ring high, ring low ! 
 To celebrate a nation's birth 
 So many years ago. 
 
 Ring loudly for the thirteen States 
 That joined their hardy hands of old; 
 
 And let the story of their brave, 
 In stirring peals be told. 
 
 But for their heroes slain, oh ! knell 
 A tender dirge so soft and low — 
 
 A nation's grief for those Avho fell 
 So many years ago. 
 
 Give forth a peal of richest sound, 
 O music bells from silver throats ; 
 
 Let it on every breeze resound, 
 Where Freedom's banner floats. 
 
 A peal, Potomac's wave upon. 
 
 Whose echo down the stream shall flow, 
 
 For Washington, who led us on, 
 So many years ago. 
 
 Ring, sweetly, softly, ye bells ! 
 
 For later slain in blue and gray ; 
 Their valor tender memory tells, 
 
 The rest is washed away. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 89 
 
 Eing saddest notes for Lincoln, dead, 
 
 Freedom's true friend, and slavery's foe ; 
 Grand hero, brave as all who bled 
 So many years ago. 
 
 King peaceful days that shall succeed ! 
 
 King honor to the toiling brain. 
 Or sturdy hands that sow the seed, 
 
 And reap the golden grain ! 
 The hosts that gladder fields have won, 
 
 And still up Freedom's heights shall go, 
 Till finished is the work begun 
 So many years ago. 
 
 GOOD SAMARITANS. 
 
 Oh ! little rough and ragged boys, 
 That shout along the street. 
 
 With hats and jackets picturesque, 
 And bare and dirty feet. 
 
 We estimate their hearts by looks, 
 And think them crusted o'er ; 
 
 And sigh for heathen to be taught 
 Almost beside our door. 
 
 But wait and here a lesson learn 
 From boys so rough and rude ; 
 
 And own that half we criticise, 
 We never understood. 
 
90 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Walk down the dark and narrow lane, 
 
 Where daily to and fro, 
 These ragged urchins of our scorn, 
 
 With shout and laughter go. 
 
 Oh ! homes, where crowd the hungry poor ! 
 
 Oh ! homes of want and sin ! 
 Through paneless windows staring wide ; 
 
 Our aching eyes look in. 
 
 By one there lies, oh ! tender sight, 
 
 A flower amid the weeds, 
 A fair, sweet face, a frail young form, 
 
 That every luxury needs. 
 
 O country breezes ! come and fan 
 
 This little feverish face ; 
 O sweetest flowers from gardens fair ! 
 
 Perfume this poisoned place. 
 
 O sunny sky beyond the smoke ! 
 
 Illume this little bed. 
 tropic trees ! for these hot lips . 
 
 Your luscious trophies shed. 
 
 Vain prayers ! those yearning, hungry eyes, 
 
 Look only on dark walls ; 
 And only coarsest food can come, 
 
 In answer to our calls. 
 
 A merry shout, and then a lull 
 
 Of voices used to noise ; 
 What is it brightens up her face ? 
 
 She whispers, " 'Tis my boys." 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 91 
 
 A dirty hand goes through the sash. 
 
 And in the fingers white, 
 Is left an orange, large and round — 
 
 The boy is out of sight. 
 
 Another leaves a bunch of flowers 
 
 His meagre earnings bought ; 
 And others, still, some little gifts 
 
 Of beauty, use, and thought. 
 
 Dear flowers and fruits that bring sweet hints 
 
 Of summer's azure skies ; 
 Of waters cool, and pastures green, 
 
 Where golden sunshine lies ! 
 
 The grimy hands through which they come 
 
 Are watched for every day ; 
 They linger for the " Thank y5u, dear," 
 
 Then quickly glide away. 
 
 One day they came, but one by one, 
 
 And missed in the old place 
 The charm that drew their boyish steps, 
 
 The watchful, fair young face. 
 
 And drawing nearer, peered about 
 
 The scanty little room ; « 
 
 And saw their friend of yesterday 
 Encoffined for the tomb. 
 
 Upon the coffin rude and dark, 
 
 A bunch of faded flowers 
 Told that some gift of theirs she held, 
 
 To cheer her dying hours. 
 
92 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 A kindly friend, on sunburned cheek 
 
 Of dirty lad espied 
 A tear that rolling sadly down, 
 
 Left furrows long and wide. 
 
 And thinking hungry he might be, 
 " Why cry you, boy ? " he said ; 
 
 Was answered in a sobbing voice, 
 " Our Gertie, sir, is dead." 
 
 No mourning train proclaimed the news, 
 With pomp and splendor led ; 
 
 But hearts as warm, 'neath dirty vests, 
 Wept for their " Gertie " dead. 
 
 SEED-TIME. 
 
 The glad seed-time has come again. 
 The earth is bathed in light ; 
 
 And all her scenes on every hand, 
 Are beautiful and bright. 
 
 The sky seems of a softer blue 
 
 ^ Than was in winter seen ; 
 And Nature smiles in lovely robes 
 Of fair and tender green. 
 
 There's beauty both in sound and sight,^ 
 The singing birds and flowers ; 
 
 And in the holy loveliness 
 
 Of spring-time's twilight hours. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 93 
 
 The laughter of the children gay, 
 
 The farmer's whistled tune, 
 The merry twitter of the birds. 
 
 Proclaim the coming June. 
 
 The garden plats and harrowed fields 
 
 Eeceive their store of grain ; 
 And surely as the spring is here, 
 
 Harvest will come again. 
 
 'Tis now the seed-time of our lives, 
 
 The bright and sunny May ; 
 And we must reap in future years, 
 
 What here we sow to-day. 
 
 Within the garden of our hearts, 
 
 We'll plant the useful seeds, 
 And careful be in early life. 
 
 To check the growing weeds. 
 
 For if aright we truly sow 
 
 In youth's sweet golden spring, 
 
 The autumn years of after life 
 Eipe hopes and joys will bring. 
 
 Oh ! let us then a lesson learn, 
 
 And heed the spring-time call ; 
 Remembering harvest never fails, 
 
 And " God rules over all." 
 
94 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 CLOSING ADDRESS. 
 
 Kind friends wlio have listened to our efforts to- 
 day, I thank yon in the name of the whole school for 
 your presence and your attention. We hope we have 
 not disappointed you. With many of us it has been 
 our first attempt at public speaking. Long ago, a boy 
 declaimed — before much such an audience, 1 dare say, 
 as this — who said : " Tall oaks from little acorns 
 grow ; " and it is just as true to-day as then. We are 
 fitting ourselves, little by little, to fill the places of 
 the men and women of to-day. Years hence, you may 
 hear from us mingling with the great world, help- 
 ing forward in one way and another, life's good 
 work. 
 
 Teacher, we thank you for all your kind endeavors 
 to do us good. May your good wishes for us be all 
 fulfilled in years to come. 
 
 Schoolmates, we part companionship to-day to go 
 to our several homes, our various amusements, and 
 our separate work. We part friends, and carry with 
 us pleasant memories of the happy faces here. May 
 our future lives be as useful as our term has been 
 pleasant. And may the world, the great school in 
 which we are all scholars, find us faithful in all the 
 good lessons we have to learn ; — in short, may we 
 make our lives a grand success, and be admitted to a 
 higher school in the life to come. 
 
 And now, friends all, with thanks for the paet, 
 and good wishes for the future, it is mine to say 
 good-by. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 95 
 
 THE MILKMAID. 
 
 i^&op's fable versified.) 
 
 The milkmaid, a rosy, buxom lass, 
 Brushed the dew from the sparkling grass ; 
 With the milk-pail light on her curly head, 
 As she took the path to the milking-shed. 
 
 " Co' boss, co' boss," sang her musical voice ; 
 It made the old cow look up and rejoice. 
 As she chewed her cud by the old farm-gate, 
 Where she had come to patiently wait. 
 
 The plump hand patted her ruddy coat. 
 And over the hills did the echoes float, 
 As a bird on the fence, on the topmost rail, 
 Sang to the milk as it streamed in the pail. 
 
 The sun came up in the eastern skies, 
 And brightened the scene with a glad surprise ; 
 The maiden poised a full pail on her head. 
 And talked, — and thus to herself she said. 
 As she daintily stepped in the path once more, 
 That led from the yard to the dairy-door : 
 
 ^' The money for which this milk shall be sold, 
 
 Shall jdeld me, at last, a fortune in gold ; . 
 
 Three hundred eggs, at first, I'll buy, 
 
 And then, allowing for fifty thrown by, 
 
 I'll have nice chickens enough to sell. 
 
 To bring me the sum of, — I can't quite tell ; 
 
b SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 But surely enough to buy a gown. 
 
 Such as no maid e'er wore in town. 
 
 In this I'll go to the Christmas levee, 
 
 Where all the young men will propose to me ; ' 
 
 But country beaux will find I am cross, 
 
 Eor I shall refuse with a scornful toss.'^ 
 
 And her graceful head its burden forgot, 
 
 She gave it a jerk, and her dream was naught ; 
 
 In the snowy stream, on the dewy ground, 
 
 Neither money, nor eggs, nor dress could be found. 
 
 The cow lowed loud by the farmyard gate ; 
 
 The farm-dog barked at a fearful rate ; 
 
 The bird sang clear on the toj)most rail, 
 
 And the maiden gazed on her empty pail, 
 
 And said, as the kitchen door she latched, 
 
 " Count not your chickens before they are hatched." 
 
 SYMPATHY. 
 
 It is that within the heart which causes the eye to 
 brighten, or grow dim with tears, at another's joy or 
 sorrow. It is that feeling which forms and unites the 
 links of friendship abroad, and strengthens the ties of 
 relationship at home. It prompts to forgetfulness of 
 self, and sends forth a glow of light and beauty that 
 is reflected back with twofold brilliancy. It lights up 
 the face with a radiant glow of gladness, in the circle 
 of joy, and softens that glow to a holier light where 
 the tears of affliction are falling. 
 
 It guarded our infancy, strewed flowers along the 
 paths of, our childhood, and brightens the glowing sky 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 97 
 
 of our youth. It lays its purest offerings on the 
 family altar ; and nowhere does it find a language 
 more eloquent than in a mother's tear. It unites 
 hearts among strangers, and even casts its spell around 
 hearts beating to its sacred melody, where oceans lie 
 between, though hands have never clasped, and eyes 
 have never met. It lights up the face of the dying, 
 and leaves its holy inflaence in characters of living 
 light on the hearts of the loved and left. 
 
 Life has no joy without it, for it is the great well- 
 spring of happiness, supplying with pure waters the 
 glorious fountain of love ; its origin is He who was 
 meek and lowly on earth; but who reigns all glorious 
 in Heaven. 
 
 CHANGS. 
 
 It is written on the fly-leaf of Nature's volume, in 
 letters that never change, and throughout the vast 
 work we find it repeated on every page. 
 
 Life's history is made up of its repetition in dif- 
 ferent forms ; however the language may be clothed, 
 and however extended the history may be, we may 
 read it through, and express the substance of the 
 whole by this one brief word. There is nothing in 
 human affairs with which it does not interfere. From 
 the earliest time, when our first parents stood to- 
 gether in Eden, it has mingled with every thought, and 
 moved in every action. It has stamped the pictures 
 of the past, and given them a tender interest, which 
 immutability could not give ; and it is to-day working 
 its mission unheeded and in silence. Indeed, time 
 
98 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 and chp.nge are inseparable, if not the same ; they 
 walk the earth together, and were associated long 
 before " the Lord divided land from water, and set a 
 bound to the sea, that it might not pass over.'^ 
 
 The work of change is sad where it clasps white 
 hands, and closes sunny eyes, and stamps marble 
 brows and loving lips with the silent seal of death. 
 It is sadder where it reaches the loving heart and 
 turns it cold ; where it scatters the affections, and car- 
 ries from these scattered fragments a weapon to a 
 brother heart that shall wound hope, and awaken dis- 
 trust where it might ever have slept. And it is sad- 
 dest where it transforms innocence, and light, and 
 life, to crime, and darkness, and doom. 
 
 It works in brightness and beauty in bringing new 
 objects of love, and nobler and higher aspirations to 
 the heart; and nowhere has it wrought more glory 
 than in its last work for the victorious Christian, 
 when it opens the golden gate of eternity, and bids 
 him farewell on the shores of Time. 
 
 -WTTERE BROOK AND RIVER MEET. 
 
 FIRST GIRL. 
 
 Sister, our happy childhood has passed ; 
 
 We have laughed the hours away ; 
 Let us be calm and serious now, 
 
 As we look upon life to-day. 
 Our childhood has passed ; we enter now 
 
 The radiant season of youth : 
 Shall we be foolish and giddy stiU ? 
 
 Or seek for the living truth ? 
 
SPEAKIXG PIECES 99 
 
 SECOXD GIRL. 
 
 Our childhood was as a brooklet gay, 
 
 Whose waters, pure and bright, 
 Go laughing and murmuring on their way, 
 
 All sparkling in the light. 
 Our womanhood, like a river broad. 
 
 Is flowing on before. 
 To meet the ever-silent sea. 
 
 That washes the Golden Shore. 
 
 FIRST GIRL. 
 
 Then, sister, are we standing now, 
 
 With our gay, reluctant feet. 
 On that sunny spot in our bright young lives, 
 
 Where the brook and river meet ? 
 Well may we now the question ask, 
 
 What our womanhood shall be. 
 And how our barks shall glide along, 
 
 Till they float into the sea. 
 
 SECOND GIRL. 
 
 Shall they go drifting, drifting on, 
 
 And reckless shall we be, 
 Till at last they bear us, unprepared, 
 
 To the ever-silent sea ? 
 Oh ! no ! we'll guide these slender barks, 
 
 With ever-watchful care, 
 Past all the dangers on the way, 
 
 Till we enter safely there. 
 
100 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 FIRST GIRL. 
 
 But you forget that we are weak, 
 
 And tlie river deep and broad ; 
 How can we hold the helm so well 
 
 As to reach the throne of God ? 
 Oh ! let us choose a pilot now, 
 
 For Jesus stands to-day 
 With hand outstretched to guide our bark 
 
 Along its unknown way. 
 
 BOTH. 
 
 We'll then sail on, while the helm He holds, 
 
 From now till our eyes grow dim ; 
 Let us show the world by faithful lives, 
 
 That we have learned of Him. 
 Then the ripples that break as we sail along, 
 
 All bright with joy will be ; 
 And a glorious light will break around, 
 
 When we enter the silent sea. 
 
 THE OFPERINQ. 
 
 KATIE. 
 
 Dear Lina, if you had been told, — 
 
 And such a thing could be, — 
 The dear Lord Jesus would come back 
 
 His Sabbath schools to see ; 
 And would be present here to-day. 
 
 As when He walked on earth, 
 What would you bring to offer Him 
 
 Of beauty and of worth ? 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 101 
 
 LIN A. 
 
 Oh ! loveliest flowers from gardens fair, 
 
 In garlands woven bright, 
 I'd scatter for His blessed feet, 
 
 And give Him with delight. 
 The brow that wore the crown of thorns, 
 
 My lovely wreath shonld wear ; 
 And He who bore the heavy cross, 
 
 A flowery one should bear. 
 
 KATIE. 
 
 A lovely thought : and yet, dear friend, 
 
 Than these fading gifts of love, 
 Think you He has not fairer flowers 
 
 About His home above ? 
 And would not offerings be more meet, 
 
 That fade not soon away, 
 Than crowns and crosses, pure and sweet, 
 
 That wither in a day ? 
 
 Lri^A. 
 
 Then I would bring if I were rich, 
 
 Offerings like those of old 
 The wise men brought to honor Him, — 
 
 Frankincense, myrrh and gold. 
 And diamonds should adorn His crown. 
 
 If I but had the power ; 
 And each should be more beautiful 
 
 Than any fading flower. 
 
102 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 KATIE. 
 But gifts like these you could not bring, 
 
 Besides, the crown He wears 
 Is richer than the choicest gems 
 
 Our little planet bears. 
 So, Lina, let your offerings 
 
 Be such as you could bring ; 
 And choose the choicest you can find, 
 
 To give our Saviour King. 
 
 LINA. 
 
 Well, then, I^d bring Him music sweet, 
 My dearest songs I'd sing. 
 
 And make the walls re-echo, too, 
 With the praises I would bring. 
 
 KATIE. 
 
 Ah ! here your gift is chosen well, 
 
 For in the olden days 
 'Twas " from mouths of little ones 
 
 The Lord ordaineth praise." 
 And yet, how could we hope to make 
 
 Music for Heavenly ears, 
 That listen to the angel choirs, 
 
 And music of the spheres ? 
 
 LINA. 
 
 Then I would give to Him my work, 
 
 And spread a table fine ; 
 How blest would be my daily food, 
 
 If He with me would dine. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 103 
 
 KATIE. 
 
 A Martlia, then, with work and care, 
 A mission worthy and meet, 
 
 Yet, she who chose the better part ; 
 Sat listening at Christ's feet. 
 
 LINA. 
 
 Oh ! yes, like Mary, I would give 
 The blessed Lord my heart ; 
 
 And hear His sweet voice say that I 
 Had " chosen the better part.'^ 
 
 KATIE. 
 
 That we may do this joyous day, 
 Though we see not His blessed face, 
 
 As we praises sing, and flowers bring. 
 In this beautiful, happy place. 
 
 BOTH (say or sing). 
 
 Oh ! yes, dear Lord, accept our hearts, 
 
 And make them clean for Thee ; 
 For blessed are the pure in heart. 
 
 Since they Thy face shall see. 
 As now we walk Thy pleasant paths, 
 
 Give us the faith serene. 
 That leads unto Thy waters still, 
 
 And pastures ever green. 
 Help us to thus acknowledge Thee, 
 
 In all Thy blessed ways. 
 That through our humble little lives 
 
 Thou may'st ordain Thy praise. 
 
104 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN. 
 
 {For Tioo Girls.) 
 JOSIE. 
 
 Have you seen the new-come beauty, 
 With, her wonderful fair face, 
 
 Whom every one is praising 
 For her elegance and grace ? 
 
 - NANCIE. 
 
 No, indeed, I have not seen her, 
 
 And I wonder how she looks ; 
 If her face and form are perfect. 
 
 Like the belles we find in books ; 
 Or if there is something deeper 
 
 Than a sweet, artistic face, — 
 I have read there is a beauty 
 
 Which shines out from inward grace. 
 
 JOSIE. 
 
 What, dear Nancie, is your notion 
 
 Of a woman truly fair ? 
 Paint to me your mind's ideal 
 
 Of a creature bright and rare. 
 I would fancy a complexion 
 
 Of the purest pink and white^ 
 Wavy hair of shining softness. 
 
 And clear eyes of wondrous light, 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 105 
 
 Of a color half deceitful, 
 
 'Twixt the hazel, gray and blue ; 
 
 And a forin whose every motion 
 ^Tis a glad delight to view. 
 
 NANCIE. 
 
 Yes, a lovely, bright complexion, 
 
 Graceful form, and sparkling eyes, 
 Are rich blessings to a woman, 
 
 Which we can but highly prize ; 
 But they are like spring-time flowers 
 
 That will fade with summer's heat ; 
 So, in my ideal woman, 
 
 I would seek a charm more sweet. 
 She should have such taste and culture, 
 
 As no time could e'er efface ; 
 And her heart should add fresh beauties^ 
 
 With each wrinkle to her face. 
 
 JOSIE. 
 
 Then you'd never mind the coarseness 
 
 Of the features and the hair ; 
 Of the eyes, if dull or sparkling, 
 
 You would little think and care ? 
 
 NANCIE. 
 
 Oh ! a mind pure, high, and noble, 
 
 Has a great refining force ; 
 And the face that's modelled by it, 
 
 Never can be rou.o^h and coarse. 
 
106 ' SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 And the eyes cannot lack briglitness, 
 For through them the soul will shine, 
 
 Of a noble, earnest woman 
 Eeaching up to the Divine. 
 
 JOSIE. 
 
 Oh ! your picture is so noble, 
 Mine must far beneath it fall. 
 
 It is strange this high-souled beauty 
 Is not sought and found by all. 
 
 NANCIE. 
 
 ^Tis the labor of a lifetime, 
 I have read ; and yet it pays ; 
 
 For it gives to life a meaning, 
 Through its ever-changing ways. 
 
 BOTH. 
 
 Let us, then, accept this life-work ; 
 
 Cultivate the mind and heart ; 
 That each day an added beauty 
 
 To our features may impart. 
 And in all our earnest labor 
 
 Fashion all our ways and looks, 
 After Him whose life is written 
 
 In the blessed Book of books j 
 That our beauty, never fading, 
 
 No disease nor time can dim, 
 Eising upward, growing lovely, 
 
 Till we wear our crowns with Him. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 107 
 
 AN AFTERNOON WITH THE POETS. 
 
 Lucy: girls, have you made your selections, 
 yet ? I have studied since Monday, trying to find the 
 best thing from the best author. You know we are 
 to recite them to-morrow afternoon. 
 
 Clara : Yes : I have chosen from Longfellow, the 
 good old poem so familiar to us all, " The Psalm of 
 Life." I always liked it. These two stanzas contain 
 the thought I most love, — 
 
 *"' Lives of great men all remind us 
 We can make our lives sublime ; 
 And, departing, leave behind us 
 Footprints on the sands of time. 
 
 Footprints, that perhaps another 
 Sailing o'er life's solemn main, 
 
 A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, 
 Seeing, shall take heart again." 
 
 Helen : I have chosen from sweet Alice Gary her 
 " Invalid's Plea," because I love her, and because, too, 
 I have seen the very view she saw when she wrote 
 this poem. It is in Derby, Vermont. The bay win- 
 dow where she sat to write looked almost sacred to 
 me. 
 
 ^' Summer, my beautiful, beautiful, Summer, 
 I look in thy face, and I long so to live." 
 
 Sweet poetess ! wasn't it sad that she did not live 
 to see another summer ? 
 
108 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Mabel : Yes, Helen, too sad for me to think of. 
 I have chosen from Phoebe Gary. Not what you would 
 have chosen, I know, "Nearer Home" or " Seeing the 
 Invisible ; " but the parody on Maud MuUer, be- 
 ginning, — 
 
 " Kate Ketchum, on a winter's night, 
 Went to a party, dressed in white." 
 
 What can be truer than this, — 
 
 ^^ Of all hard things to bear and grin, 
 The hardest is : knowing you're taken in." 
 
 Mary : I find nothing like what our dear Whittier 
 gives us, and have chosen " God's Mercy." Aunt 
 Martha loves it so much, and repeats it so often, I 
 can render it much better than one I have never 
 heard another recite. Auntie repeats things in such 
 a lovely way, too. She says this poem is a great 
 comfort to her. When we are any of us borrowing 
 trouble, you should hear her say, — 
 
 " I know not what the future hath 
 Of marvel and surprise. 
 Assured alone that life and death 
 His mercy underlies." 
 
 Or,- 
 
 " I know not where His islands lift 
 Their fronded palms in air, 
 I only know I cannot drift 
 Beyond His love and care." 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 109 
 
 Emma : T have chosen another of Aunt Martha's 
 favorites. Like Sister Mary, I like everything 
 auntie loves. Mine is Celia Thaxter's " Courage." 
 Hear this stanza, — 
 
 " Why should I hug life's ills with cold reserve. 
 To curse myself and all who love me ? Nay, 
 A thousand times more good than I deserve, 
 God gives me every day.'' 
 
 Belle : That's good. I am afraid Miss Willey 
 will think mine strange for a young lady ; but I like 
 spicy things, and have learned some stanzas descrip- 
 tive of pride, in " Proud Miss McBride," by John G. 
 Saxe. Here is the moral, — 
 
 *' Because you flourish in worldly affairs, 
 Don't be haughty and put on airs, 
 AA'^ith insolent pride of station ; 
 Don't be proud and turn up your nose, 
 At poorer peojjle in plainer clothes ; 
 But learn, for the sake of your soul's repose. 
 That all proud flesh, wherever it grows. 
 Is subject to mortification." 
 
 Anna : That'« jolly ; and mine is from Will Carl- 
 ton, " Over the Hill to the Poorhouse." I can say it 
 just like an old woman. Hear me {in a cracked voice) : 
 
 " Over the hill to the poorhouse, I'm trudging my 
 weary way, 
 I, a woman of seventy, and only a trifle gray ; 
 I, who am smart and chipper, for all the years I've told. 
 As many another woman that's only half as old." 
 (The r/ii-ls laugh,) 
 
110 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Dora: I have learned Bryant's "Thanatopsis." It 
 is a favorite with papa, and he wished me to learn it. 
 Do you know it was written when Bryant was only 
 eighteen ? It is wonderful. The last of it is, — 
 
 *^So live that when thy summons comes to join 
 The innumerable caravan that moves 
 To the pale realms of shade, where each shall take 
 His chamber in the silent halls of death, 
 Thou go not like the quarry slave at night, 
 Scourged to his dungeon ; but, sustained and soothed 
 By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave, 
 Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 
 About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." 
 
 Fannie : I just took the " Song of the Suds," 
 from Miss Alcott's " Little Women." You know Jo 
 sent it to her father. Mother says I am just fit for a 
 good little housewife, and that would do for me ; and 
 so, — 
 
 " Queen of my tub I merrily sing. 
 While the white foam rises high ; 
 And sturdily wash, and rinse, and wring, 
 
 And fasten the clothes to dry ; 
 Then out in the free fresh air they swing 
 Under the sunny sky." 
 
 Grace : I have chosen, from Lowell, a nice little 
 thing on " Longing." The last is best, — 
 
 '■^ Ah ! let us hope that to our praise 
 Good God not only reckons 
 The moment when we tread his ways, 
 But when the spirit beckons. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 111 
 
 That some slight good is always wrought 
 
 Beyond self-satisfaction, 
 When we are simply good in thought, 
 
 Howe'er we fail in action." 
 
 EtlipJ : My choice is of doing, rather than longing ; 
 of action, rather than feeling. It is from Holland, — 
 
 " I hold the thing to be grandly true 
 
 That a noble deed is a step toward God, 
 Lifting the soul from the common sod 
 To a purer air and a broader view." 
 
 Lucy : Well, you have all decided, and among the 
 hundreds left out is Dr. Holmes, and I will go to him 
 for my selection, — 
 
 " Have you heard of the wonderful one-hoss shay, 
 That was built in such a logical way ? 
 It ran a hundred years to a day. 
 And then, of a sudden, it — Ah ! but stay, 
 I'll tell you what happened " — 
 
 to-morrow afternoon. 
 
 Clara : Good ! Next time we are to choose from 
 English poets, you know. 
 
 Mabel : I like it ; don't you, Emma ? 
 
 Emma : Oh ! yes. (Bell rings.) There's the bell ! 
 we must go. (Exeunt.) 
 
112 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 A CHARADE. 
 
 INNOCENT. 
 
 Scene I. — In. — {Drawing-room of a boarding-house ; 
 present, Mrs. Lee, the boarding mistress, and Mk. Erwin, 
 a boarder.') 
 
 Mr. Erwin : Mrs. Lee, something is wrong in your 
 estimable establishment. I keep losing little articles, 
 such as neckties, collars, handkerchiefs, etc.^ which 
 lie in the bureau drawer. 
 
 M7's. Lee {in surprise) : Why, Mr. Erwin, I am sur- 
 prised ! I never had such a charge before. Are you 
 not mistaken about leaving them in the bureau ? 
 
 Mr. E. : No, ma'am. I waited long without speak- 
 ing of it, hoping to get a clew myself to the mystery, 
 and save you the disagreeable knowledge that some 
 member of your house is not reliable. Yesterday I 
 put a dollar bill and some hard change in the drawer 
 — in the drawer, ma'am. The bill was gone, but the 
 silver money was left; and what seemed strangest of 
 all, the things lost have disappeared in the night, and 
 often when the drawer is locked. 
 
 Mrs. L. : Impossible ! In the drawer, and the 
 drawer locked ! ISTo servant of mine has keys to the 
 boarders' bureaus, sir. 
 
 Mr. E. : Very likely, ma'am, not to your knowledge ; 
 yet some one has means of taking things from them, 
 and leaving the bureau locked. For several days I 
 have placed things in the bureau purposely to see the 
 result. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 113 
 
 Mrs. L. : And you have heard no one in your room 
 in the night ? 
 
 Mr. E. : No, — yes — Now I think of it, when I 
 first came here, I did hear noises in the vicinity of 
 the bureau ; but thought they were in the next room, 
 and gave them no reflection. I am a sound sleeper, 
 and of late hear nothing. 
 
 Mrs. L. : I know of no one who has aught to do in 
 your room, except Eosa, the chambermaid, and I have 
 ever had perfect confidence in her, and no one has 
 ever suspected her before. However, I will make 
 inquiries, and learn, if possible, the mystery of your 
 losses. 
 
 Mr. E. : Thank you, ma'am. I hope it will be 
 cleared up, for the reputation of your house, as well 
 as my own convenience. (Exit.) 
 
 Scene IT. — (No — .Same room. Mrs. L. alo7ie. — JRings 
 bell. — Servant appears.) 
 
 Mrs. L. : Jane, send Rosa to me at once. (Jane 
 bows and retires.) Strange ! The girl has been with 
 me from childhood, and the most trusty of all my 
 girls. I have not the face to accuse her of theft. If 
 she is innocent, as I still believe her to be, she would 
 be heart-broken to have me suspect her. {Enter E-osa.) 
 Be seated, Rosa. I have a little puzzling question to 
 settle with you, if you can give any light on the 
 subject. 
 
 liosa : Yes, ma'am, I'm ready to listen. 
 
 3frs. L. : Do }' on know that any one in the house 
 has the key to any of the chambers, except their occu- . 
 XJants and yourself ? 
 
114 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Rosa : No, ma'am, I am sure they have not. 
 
 Mrs. L. : Have you, or any one else, keys to the 
 boarders' bureaus ? 
 
 Rosa : No, ma'am. 
 
 Mrs. L. : Is there any one in the house you would sus- 
 pect of entering one's room by stealth for any purpose ? 
 
 Rosa: No, indeed. I have confidence in every per- 
 son you employ, ma'am. 
 
 Mrs. L. : But Mr. Erwin, who occupies the north- 
 east chamber, next your own on one side, and to the 
 guest chamber, which is vacant, on the other, says 
 some one has certainly been in his room, and that, 
 too, in the night : he knew by the way he found 
 things in the morning. 
 
 Rosa : No ! He cannot mean it. Who would have 
 any wish to enter his room ? I cannot see. Some 
 sleep-walker, perhaps. 
 
 Mrs. L. : Do you know any on*e here A\dio is a som- 
 nambulist ? 
 
 Rosa : No, ma'am ; but what would a wide-awake, 
 sane person, like those you employ, want in his 
 room, I'd like to know. 
 
 Mrs. L. (aside) : It is plain she knows nothing 
 about it. (To Kosa.) It is a great mystery. You 
 can go. I will talk with him, and see you again. 
 Don't say a word of this to any one. 
 
 Rosa : No, ma'am, I'll not say a word. (Exit.) 
 
 Scene III. — Ce?it. — (Same room. Enter Mrs. L. and 
 Rosa.) 
 
 Mrs. L. : Eosa, from a child I have trusted you, and 
 it grieves me beyond words to be obliged to tell you 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 115 
 
 to-day, that everything concerning the mystery in Mr. 
 Erwin's room points to you as the guilty one. 
 
 Rosa {raising both hands) : To me ! Oh, Mrs. Lee ! 
 
 Mrs. L. : He has lost handkerchiefs, neckties, col- 
 lars, and even money, and with the drawer locked, 
 too. 
 
 Rosa : Oh that you should believe this of me, who 
 was never guilty of taking a cent in my whole life ! 
 Oh that I should have lived to see this day ! {Sohhing.) 
 Why, Mrs. Lee, I have no key to his bureau, and 
 have never touched one thing of his ; indeed, indeed, I 
 have not, Mrs. Lee. 
 
 Mrs. L. : How gladly would I believe this, Eosa ! 
 If, as you say, you have never taken a cent from any 
 one, and have never been to Mr. Erwin's things at all, 
 you will not object to having your trunks and ward- 
 robe searched ? 
 
 Rosa (still crying) : No, ma'am. You'll not find a 
 cent nor a cent's worth of anybody's property with 
 my things. You may look. But I'd like to know 
 why he thought it was I. 
 
 Mrs. L. : Why, no one else goes to his room. Your 
 own is next to his, and he heard a noise on that side 
 several times when he first came, but thought it was 
 in your room, not in his. Now he thinks you were 
 preparing for the work, since done, in •some way. 
 
 Rosa : And he says I took money — and — and — 
 Mrs. L. : Yes, a bill, but no hard money, though 
 both were together in the drawer. 
 
 Rosa (brightening) : He heard the noise in the 
 night. — Please, Mrs. Lee, take anything of mine you 
 wish to search under your care ; but please wait until 
 
116 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 to-morrow before you search, them, and, if I don't 
 clear the mystery thren, you may search me and mine. 
 I shall not leave the house. Will you trust me thus 
 far, Mrs. Lee ? 
 
 Mrs. L. : Eosa, the reputation of my house depends 
 on this thing being explained. I have been a friend 
 to you ; would you deceive and harm me now ? 
 
 Rosa : Oh, Mrs. Lee, that you should doubt me ! 
 I think I have a clew to the real thief, and if you will 
 give me a chance, I will prove my innocence. If you 
 think best, search me first and receive my proof after- 
 wards ; but, I repeat it, not a cent or a cent's worth 
 of anybody's property have I ever had dishonestly. 
 
 Mrs. L.: You may go. I will try you. {Exit Eos a.) 
 I do not believe her guilty, but I will watch her 
 closely to-day, and wait for to-morrow's developments. 
 
 Scene IV. — Innocent. — (Same room. Time : in the night. 
 Enter Mr. Erwin in dressing- goion and slippers, light in 
 hand, hair uncombed, very much excited', rings the bell 
 nervously, walks the floor until servant enters, negligently 
 dressed, rubbing eyes, half awake. ^ 
 
 Mr. E. : Send your mistress. 
 
 Servant : Yes, sir. (Exit.) (Mr. E. continues his 
 walk until Mrs. L. appears in wrapper, liaAr in curl- 
 papjers, etc.) 
 
 Mr. E. : This, ma'am, will not do ; there is foul 
 play, or this house is haunted. 
 
 Mrs. L. (^In alarm) : What do you mean ? Any 
 new developments ? 
 
 Mr. E. : The most terrible noise about the bureau, 
 ma'am, with cries of distress — and — and — well, 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 117 
 
 before I was fairly awake I bounded to the floor, and 
 lit my lamp. All was still, and not a thing could I 
 see. I cannot stay here another niglit, indeed I can- 
 not. {Enter Rosa.) 
 
 Rosa : What is the matter ? 
 
 Mrs. L. : Rosa, have you heard anything to-night ? 
 
 Rosa : Yes, ma'am. I was awakened like Mr. Er- 
 win, and with your permission, I will go to his room 
 and learn the cause, and bring you word. 
 
 Mr. E. : I should believe her a witch if it were in 
 the days of witchcraft. If she is guilty, this is a pre- 
 text to get away. 
 
 Mrs. L. : Go, Rosa, and return in ten minutes, or I 
 shall send for you. {Exit Rosa.) Be seated, Mr. 
 Erwin ; calm yourself ; the girl appears neither 
 frightened nor guilty. It is very strange ; the like 
 never happened with me before, never. 
 
 Mr. E. {dropping into a chair and luiping the per- 
 spiration from ids face) : Marvellous, indeed ! And I 
 was told that this was the best boarding-house in 
 town. I would not be frightened so again for half 
 my fortune ; indeed, I would not. 
 
 Mrs. L. : I am sorry, very sorry this has happened. 
 I shall be the greater sufferer if no explanation is 
 found. 
 
 {Enter Rosa, holding a big rat I)ij the tail, or in a 
 trap.) 
 
 Rosa : Here is the guilty one, and I am proved 
 innocent. 
 
 Mrs. L. and Mr. E. : A rat ! A rat ! 
 
 Mrs. L. : How did you catch him ? 
 
 Rosa : I set a trap for him yesterday in the niche 
 
118 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 behind the bureau in Mr. Erwin's room. After our 
 talk, ma'am, I remembered hearing rats in the ceiling, 
 and having heard that they would steal things, some- 
 times, I went to the room and hauled out the bureau ; 
 and I found this — and this — (liolding uj) tattered 
 handkerchiefs) half-way out of sight in a rat-hole in 
 the wall. I also found a hole gnawed into the back 
 of the bureau, and communicating with the drawers. 
 I set a trap to make the matter sure, and prove to you 
 that I was innocent. 
 
 Mrs, L. : I believed you were innocent all the time. 
 
 Mr. E. : Thank you, Eosa, for finding the matter 
 out. {To Mrs. L.) 1 will remain with you, if you will 
 have the rat-hole in my room mended, and get a good 
 cat. 
 
 Mrs. L. : That shall be attended to, to-morrow, 
 and, in the future, when circumstances are against 
 any one, I will remember how Eosa was proved 
 i'mioce72t. 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL CHARADE. 
 
 WARSAW. IN TWO SCENES. 
 
 Scene I. — War. — (A youth in overalls and frock, rehearsing 
 a declariiation before a mirror. Pushes back hair, and 
 strikes an attitude.) 
 
 Youth : The war is inevitable, the war is inevitable, 
 the war is inevitable. {Ap2')ears dissatisfied, and 
 begins again.) The war is inevitable, the war — 
 
 Old gentleman (^rushing in a^id talcing him by the 
 collar) : Yes, war is inevitable, young man, if you 
 don't stick to that woodpile. (Hurries him out.) 
 
 Scene II. — Sam. — {The same boy sawing wood.) 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 119 
 
 A CHARADE. 
 
 INTRICATE. 
 
 Scene I. — In {Inn). — (The bar-room of a country inn. 
 Several men lounging about the room. Characters : 
 Colonel Hawley, Jim Ratiiburn, Milo Mitchel, 
 Louis Ames, and others. Colored servant, Reuben.) 
 
 Col. H. : Well, boys, here we are weatherbound. 
 How many of yon ever read Longfellow's "Tales 
 of a Wayside Inn " ? 
 
 Ames : I read it long ago. Do you propose that we 
 repeat the programme to pass away the evening ? 
 If so, let's have something warming, first. Ah, ex- 
 cuse me, colonel, I forgot for the moment that you are 
 a temperance man. 
 
 Col. H. : No, no, Ames (Mitchel going toward the 
 bar), no, no, Mitchel, let it alone for to-night, and let 
 us talk with clear heads, and each tell a story. 
 
 Mitchel : What kind of a story ? A temperance 
 story ? That's your kind, I reckon. 
 
 Col. II. : Yes, if you please. At any rate, a story 
 without rum in our heads. 
 
 Mitchel : I'm pretty thirsty, but will try it for an 
 hour or so, if Jim here can. 
 
 Rathburn : Where's Charlie, Eeub ? I reckon he's 
 living a temperance story. 
 
 Reuben : No, sah ! none ob yer sarse about Massa 
 Charlie ; he's no worse nor any of you. 
 
 Rathburn : Only that he can't get his liquor at this 
 inn, but has to go over to Blakeley's at the Corner. 
 
120 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Col. H. : What's that, Jim ? is it true that Charlie 
 Ward has fallen ? 
 
 Rathhurn : He hasn't seen his father sell liquor to 
 these wretches about here all his life, and not got a 
 taste for it himself, I assure you. But the old gentle- 
 man doesn't relish his son's being a drunkard, and I 
 hear is very angry that he should like the vile stuff. 
 
 Ames : They say that old Ward has gone over to 
 Blakeley's inn, in the storm to-night, after Charlie. 
 Is that so, Keub ? 
 
 Keuhen {shoivlng irritation) : Mebbe 'tis, mebbe 
 ^tisn't. S'pose Massa Ward knows his own business. 
 
 Col. H. : Reuben is faithful to his employers : you 
 can't get much out of him. Now for our stories. 
 Who shall begin ? 
 
 Ames : You, by all means, colonel. Give us some 
 camp yarn worth hearing. You can do it. 
 
 Mitchel : Then Ames shall follow with some college 
 scrape. 
 
 (^All settle themselves in easy position, to listen, and 
 curtain falls.) 
 
 Scene II. — Tri{Try) . — {Three young ladies sitting together, 
 looking very sad: Kate ajid Lauka Ward, sisters; 
 Lucy Long, a friend.) 
 
 Kate : How long Annie is gone ! I wonder what 
 keeps her. I thought mother went to her room long 
 ago. 
 
 Lucy : Oh what a storm ! Do you suppose Charlie 
 is out in this ? 
 
 Laura : I don't 'know. I wish he'd known you 
 were coming. I believe he would have staid at home. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 121 
 
 Lucy (shyly) : I presume that wouldn't have made 
 any difference. 
 
 Kate : There, Annie is coming ! (Rises to meet her. 
 Enter Annie, a child of twelve or thirteen years, in 
 tears.) What is it, Annie ? 
 
 Annie : Kate ! girls ! mamma is crying in her 
 room, and papa is very angry, and says he will dis- 
 own Charlie. He found him at Blakeley's, and they 
 had some words, and pa came home without him. 
 
 Laura: Well, good enough for Charlie. I don't 
 blame papa at all. 
 
 Lucy (hiding her face) : Poor Charlie. 
 
 Kate : This will never do. I shall go to the Corner 
 for Charlie myself, and try to get him home. 
 
 Laura: You are crazy, Kate. Do you hear the 
 storm ? 
 
 Kate : No, Laura, I am not crazy, and I shall do 
 it. Do 3^ou think I can give up Charlie like this, and 
 not try to save him ? Annie, go tell Eeuben to saddle 
 old Fleetfoot, and take him to the front gate. (Exit 
 Annie.) Laura, hand me my waterproof from the 
 closet, while I put on my over-shoes. (Exit Laura.) 
 Lucy, dear, pray for us, and don't give up Charlie. 
 (Re-enter Lauka, with %caterijroof, whicli Kate pro- 
 ceeds to don.) 
 
 Ijaura : You will not try to take the bridle-path 
 across, and Eeubeii will go with you. 
 
 Kate : I shall go alone, but not across. On Meet- 
 foot the highway will be safe, and I might lose my 
 way in the bridle-path over by the mill. 
 
 Ijaura : But why not take Reuben ? 
 
 Kate : His absence would be noticed at once, and 
 
122 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 besides^ Charlie would be less likely to come home 
 with me if I had some one with me. He will not let 
 me come back alone. 
 
 Lucy : That's so. {Enter Annie.) 
 
 Aniiie : Reuben is ready, and will go wath you. 
 
 Kate: Thanks to Reuben, but I go alone. Now, 
 girls; you must not let father nor mother know I am 
 gone, and don't worry, nor sit up for me. I am not 
 afraid, and I believe I shall not try in vain to save 
 my poor brother; but better t7vj and fail, than sit 
 down and let him go. Good-night. (Exit Kate.) 
 
 Lucy : Dear, brave Kate. She will succeed. She 
 cannot fail. 
 
 Laura : With Kate, to think and to do are one. I 
 should never have undertaken such a thing ; but she 
 will try anything she thinks will do any good, regard- 
 less of every opposing thing. 
 
 Annie : Charlie will mind Kate better than he will 
 father, he loves her so much. (Curtain.) 
 
 Scene III. — Gate (Kate). — (Bar-room at Blakeley''s inn. 
 Several loungers about the room. Charlie Ward at the 
 bar. Col. H. iviih hat closely drawn over his face, aiid 
 collar turned high, standing near the door.) 
 
 Charlie: I say — hie — give us another — hie, — 
 old fellow. The old man'll find — hie — he can't 
 scare me. (Bartender ijouts out a glass; Col. 
 H. steps forward as if to interfere,' ivhen Kate rushes 
 in luith waterproof cloak and hood closely drawny and 
 grasps her brother^ s arm.) 
 
 Kate : O Charlie, Charlie ! Don't you touch it. 
 You are going home with me. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 123 
 
 Charlie : Why, Kate ! Is it Kate ? 
 
 Kate : Yes, Charlie, it is Kate, and you will not let 
 me go home alone ? 
 
 Charlie (reels) : No, no, sis — hie, — but you silly 
 girl — hie — what you here for ? (He turns to move 
 aivay and falls, Kate wrings her hands, and Col. 
 H. comes forward.) 
 
 Col. H. (hoiuinrj to Kate, and removing his hat) : 
 ]\riss Kate, allow me, if possible, to be of service 
 to you. 
 
 Kate {in surprise) : Colonel Hawley ! is it you ? 
 I thought you were at father's to-night, and I find you 
 here. 
 
 Col. H. (in a low tone) : I was an unintentional 
 listener to little Annie's message to Reuben ; and, fear- 
 ing what you might encounter here, took the liberty 
 to come by the bridle-path, thus preceding you. 
 Now I will procure a carriage, and take your brother 
 home, if you are willing. 
 
 Kate : How kind of you ! If you only will ! Do 
 you think he will be long in this condition ? I don't 
 like to take him to father like this. 
 
 Col. H. : I think he will be better soon, and the air 
 and rain will help him. But you ! are you not wet 
 and chilled, riding in the storm ? I will stay here 
 with Charlie while you go into the j^arlor and get 
 warm and dry. 
 
 Kate: Oh, no, I am all right. (Shivers.) 
 
 Col. IT. : No, you are not. You are cold now. I 
 insist on your going to the fire, and all the time 
 Charlie will be getting better, you know. ( Conducts 
 her to the door. Exit Kate.) 
 
124 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 A lounger : A plucky girl that ! 
 
 Another : The old man couldn't get Charlie, but 
 guess you and the girl will fetch him, colonel. 
 
 Another: If I had such a sister as that, Fd be a 
 different fellow. {Curtain.) 
 
 Scene IY. — Intricate. — (Room at WarcVs Hotel, dimly 
 lighted. Time, night. Enter Reuben, the colored servant . ) 
 
 Reuben : Fire all right, light all right. Strange 
 dey don't come. P'raps I did wrong not to tell Massa 
 AYard, and prevent Miss Kate's goin'. Lor', how 
 dark it is ! But old Fleetfoot is safe and sure ! 
 
 {Enter Laura and Lucy in wrappers and slippers?) 
 
 Laura: Reuben, do go after Kate. I am sure 
 she is lost in the dark, or something dreadful has 
 happened. But she ivould go ! 
 
 Lucy (crying) : Yes, Reuben, do go. (Enter Mr. 
 Ward in dressing-gown and slippjers.) 
 
 Mr. Ward : What's going on here ? What are you 
 all up for ? 
 
 Laura : father, — don't be angry — but — 
 Charlie — 
 
 Mr. W. {frowning) : Charlie will not be home 
 to-night. Go back to bed, child, and let us have 
 quiet. And you, too, Reuben, what called you into 
 this part of the house at this hour ? 
 
 ll&uhen: Well, de fact is, Massa Ward, de fact is 
 — dat is — it seems to be — well — let me explain to 
 you, Massa, a bit, and mebbe you'll say to me " Reu- 
 ben, you jes' pack up your duds and leave dese 
 premises," or mebbe you'll say, '" Lor', what pluck dat 
 girl has," and conclude to let old Reuben stay. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 125 
 
 Mr. W. : Why, man, a.re you crazy ? 
 
 Ileiihen : 'Pears to iiie I be inos' — but cle fact is — 
 
 Laura: father ! Eeuben is not to blame — but — 
 Charlie — that is, Kate, — dear, brave Kate. 
 
 Mr. W. : What intricate affair is this you are all 
 mixed up in, and none explain ? 
 
 Laura : papa, I am afraid it is not only an in- 
 tricate affair, but a drepxlful one. Do you hear the 
 rain ? and see how dark it is ! Ileuben, why do 
 you stand there so stupid ? Why are you not off 
 like the wind to find Kate ? 
 
 Mr. W. : What do you say ? Kate out in the 
 storm ? What do 3^ou mean ? speak out and tell me. 
 {Enter Mrs. Ward, traces of tears on her face, in 
 wrajijper, etc.) 
 
 Mrs. W. : What is it ? I thought Charlie had 
 come. 
 
 Laura : O mamma ! {Sounds of stejjs outside.) 
 Hark ! they have come. (Reubex rushes out ; all the 
 others stand breathless, until Col. H., Charlie, now 
 quite sober, and Kate, enter?) 
 
 Charlie {coming forward and extending a hand to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Ward, ecicli) : Forgive me, father and 
 mother. God being my helper, I never drink again. 
 
 (Mrs. Ward iveeps. The girls assist Kate to re- 
 move her outer aarrnents.) 
 
 Mr. Ward : My son, my daughter, Colonel Hawley, 
 will you explain this scene ? Am I to thank you, 
 Colonel, for the return of my son ? 
 
 Col. H. : Ko, Mr. Ward, not me, but your brave 
 daughter here. 
 
 Mr. W. {in broken tones, taking Kate by the hand) : 
 
126 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 God bless you, Kate. (To Charlie.) My son, as 
 you have drank the last drop, so have T sold the last : 
 God being my helper, and these my witnesses. 
 
 Charlie {after a pause, in a loio tone, to Lucy) .* 
 Lucy, I would have concealed this night from you, 
 if possible. Can you believe and trust me for the 
 future ? 
 
 Ltici/ : Charlie, I do believe you, and shall pray for 
 your triumph. 
 
 (Charlie, still holding Lucy's hand; Col. H., 
 standinr/ by Kate, draws her hand through his arm, 
 and turns to Mr. Ward. Eeuben enters and stops 
 near the door.) 
 
 Reuben : Lor' now, Massa called it an intricate 
 'fpoir ! so 'tis, so 'tis an intricate 'fair ! a mixed-up 
 game, and hearts are trumps ! {Curtain.) 
 
 A CHARADE. 
 
 HISTORY. 
 
 Scene I. — His. — (An English home. Time, year 1780. 
 Mother and daughter Honora, sitting together ; the former 
 looking over some inctures and 'pa'pers.) 
 
 Honor a : Put them all away, mother, for my heart 
 is sad to-day. They were his, and they speak to me 
 of him. 
 
 Mother : Why should you be sad, my daughter ? 
 He is bravely fighting for his king, and winning 
 higher honors, brighter laurels than painter's brush 
 or poet's pen could give. He will come back to you 
 the brave officer as well as the artist and poet. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 127 
 
 Honora : Ah, mother, I wish I could be as hopeful 
 as you are. But a terrible gloom settles over me. 
 His pictures, his letters, his gifts of love to me, all 
 tend to make me sad. I have a presentiment that his 
 own dear self is in trouble, and that he will never 
 come back to his Honora again. 
 
 Mother : You have dwelt too deeply on your separa- 
 tion, my dear, and your mind is not right. You have 
 really little to fear. His position is less dangerous 
 than you suppose. 
 
 Honora. : But what do we know of the colonists, to 
 say nothing of the hardships of a new climate and 
 country ? 
 
 Mother : You have nothing, I am sure, to fear from 
 the climate of the New World, and it is probable that 
 the contest with the rebels will soon be at an end. 
 
 Honora : I hope you are right, mother, but I can- 
 not get rid of this presentiment that I shall never 
 see him again. But, living or dying, I am his. 
 
 Scene II. — Tory. — (Two men talking, near a prison-door. 
 Place, America. Time, 1780.) 
 
 1st Sj^eaJcer : It is a sad case, but General Wash- 
 ington could do no differently. He referred it, you 
 know, to fourteen general officers, among whom were 
 Greene and Lafayette. John Andre is a spy, and as 
 a spy he must die. 
 
 2d Speaker : He is a brave soldier, and a gentle- 
 man. He is no Toiy. The To?-?/ born and bred on 
 American soil, turning against his country, deserves 
 our bitterest scorn. Not so Major Andre. 
 
 1st S])eaker : True, he is no Tory. He was born and 
 
128 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 reared in England, and an officer in the king's army 
 before the outbreak of our war ; but the accomplish- 
 ment of his base design would have resulted in the 
 fatal loss of West Point to us, and only God knows 
 what other reverses. 
 
 2d Speaker : It is Benedict Arnold, the worse than 
 ToT}j, who should be executed rather than this young 
 Englishman. 
 
 1st Speaker : And it is no fault of General Wash- 
 ington, that Arnold does not die in his stead, for he 
 has offered to make the exchange, and been denied. 
 
 2d Speaker : They are coming. 
 
 {Officer and prisoner come from the prison.) 
 
 Andre (looking at something out of sight of the 
 audience) : Must I die by this ? I am reconciled- to 
 my death, but oh ! not to the mode — {recooering his 
 composure). It will be but a momentary pang. You 
 will witness to the world that I die like a brave man. 
 (JExeicnt.) 
 
 Scene III. — History. — (A young lady and gentleman with 
 books. Enter Lucy.) 
 
 l^ucy : How earnestly you are poring over that his- 
 tory, Herbert; and Emily, too, seems quite as in- 
 terested. History is so dry. 
 
 Emily : Lucy ! how can yon call it dry ? The 
 story of John Andre is more thrilling than any novel 
 I ever read. 
 
 Herbert : And French history teems with thrilling 
 adventures. 
 
 Lucy: Oh ! but there is no good come-out to anything 
 in history. Major Andre, the gentleman and scholar, 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 129 
 
 is hanged, and I never could find that nmcli was 
 known of him beside. 
 
 Emily : It is true, little is known of my hero, 
 though I have read of a blue-eyed English girl, named 
 Honora, who mourned his loss, but what became of 
 her I have never learned. 
 
 Lucy : That is just what I was saying. There's 
 no nice ending to the exciting narratives of history. 
 
 Emily : But, you know, there is truth in what you read. 
 
 Herbert: I do not agree with you, Lucy, in the 
 ^' come-out " of History. God's hand is in it, and it 
 is a continued story, beginning at the creation, and 
 ending only with time. It is not confined to one 
 family, neighborhood, nor country, but embraces the 
 world, and in it we see the purposes of God being 
 wrought out, slowly to us, but in good time to Him 
 to whom a thousand years are as one day. 
 
 Lucy : Oh ! I know you are right, Herbert, and that 
 the only difficulty with me is narrowness of mind ; 
 but I will join your circle, and see if I, too, cannot 
 get good out of History. 
 
 PANTOMIME CHARADE. 
 
 SNUFFERS. 
 
 Scene I. — Snuff. 
 
 OxE old lady in ancient dress calls upon another, is 
 gladly welcomed, and, after bonnet and shawl are 
 removed, takes a proffered seat. Then, as they knit, 
 and nod, and smile, first one and then the other pro- 
 duces her snuft'-box, which she taps on the cover, after 
 the old-time custom, then removes the cover, and 
 
130 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 passes the box to the other. Both partake, using their 
 handkerchiefs freely. 
 
 Scene II.— Fers (Furs). 
 
 A peddler displaying furs to several ladies. To 
 make this lively depends on the peddler's ingenuity 
 in acting his part, trying on the furs himself, and 
 parading before the mirror, then putting them on the 
 ladies, and, at last, appearing very nice to those who 
 purchase, and shaking his fist, as he goes out, at those 
 who do not. 
 
 Scene III. — Snuffers. 
 
 An old gentleman and lady sit by a tabie on which 
 burns a tallow candle with long snuff ; he reading a 
 newspaper, and she knitting a sock. He looks up 
 and motions her to snuff the candle. She tries to do 
 it with two knitting needles, but fails ; then she tries 
 a hairpin from her own head with no better success ; 
 w^hereupon the old gentleman impatiently attempts it 
 Avith his fingers, and only succeeds in burning them. 
 Then, while he blows upon his fingers, she rises, goes 
 out, and returns with snuffers, with which she snuffs 
 the candle, , 
 
 PARLOR READING. 
 
 WITH TABLEAUX. 
 
 Arrange a curtain across one end of the room, be- 
 hind which to x^repare tableaux. If possible, arrange 
 it so as to enter curtained portion of the room from 
 another room, and thus avoid passing tlirough the 
 company with the necessary articles for the different 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 131 
 
 scenes. Have everything in readiness in order to 
 save delays, wliich are always tiresome. * 
 
 A concealed reader reads the story of Bine Beard 
 as given in Dr. Holland's " Bittersweet." After the 
 line, — 
 
 " Where he was so kind as to take them/' 
 Tableau. 
 
 A small table set for tea in showy style, and Blue 
 Beard with his three guests seated around it. Blue 
 Beard dressed in as elegant, showy, and ancient a cos- 
 tume as can be obtained, with a blue beard, which 
 can be made from white fur, or hair, colored blue : or, 
 if these cannot be had, an old blue sock, ravelled, will 
 answer very well. 
 
 After the line, — 
 
 *' With feasting and with laughter," 
 Tableau. 
 
 A wedding. Blue Beard and Patima dressed in 
 bridal costume, with right hands clasped, and before 
 them the parson in the act of marrying them. Make 
 it as bright and gay as possible, and, if there is room, 
 show Avedding guests ; the mother, sisters, and 
 brother, among them. 
 
 After the line, — 
 
 " The wives of her lord and master," 
 Tahleau. 
 
 The heads of five or six young ladies hung up by 
 the hair. To x^repare this scene, sew together sheets 
 to reach across the curtained portion of the room. 
 Then sew the same number above them, leaving un- 
 sewed spaces at intervals in the seam where those 
 
132 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 above are sewed to tlie lower ones. Fasten tliem 
 sn^otlily across the place used for a stage. Then 
 have the young ladies, with faces powdered with 
 corn starch, hair let down full length, and a band of 
 red flannel about their throats, . put their heads 
 through the unsewed spaces in the sheet (their bodies 
 being thus hidden except the heads), and draw the long 
 hair up and fasten above. — With closed eyes and open 
 mouths, they will present a very striking appearance. 
 
 After the line, — 
 
 " Swung his glittering weapon around him," 
 Tableau. 
 
 Fatima on her knees, and Blue Beard swinging his 
 sword, etc. 
 
 After the line, — 
 
 ^' So that he was mortally wounded," 
 Tableau. 
 
 The two brothers, dressed as soldiers, killing Blue 
 Beard, now on his knees. 
 
 A CHARADE. 
 
 MENDICANT. 
 
 Scene I, — Mend. — {^A pale woman, shabbily dressed, in a 
 sca7itily furnished room, 'mending a tattcr^ed garment lohose 
 holes and patches she displays as she mends.') 
 
 {She sings.) 
 
 With heart that is weary and worn, 
 
 With dull and aching head; 
 Day after day, in unwomanly rags, 
 
 I ply my needle and thread. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 133 
 
 Mend, mend, mend, 
 
 While starvation looks in at tlie door ; 
 And still in a voice of dolorous pitch 
 
 I sing the song of the poor. 
 
 O men with mothers dear ! 
 
 men with children and wives ! 
 It IS not rum you traffic in. 
 
 But human crea^tures' lives. 
 
 Mend, mend, mend, 
 
 To keep my children dressed ; 
 
 While the rumseller eats us up. 
 And his children all are blessed. 
 
 Scene II. — /. — {Several boys on stage.) 
 
 Ned Hearthj (inounting a ijlatforui) : Now, boys, I 
 have a proposition to make, which I hope you will all 
 indorse. You know Jim Ridley's family are en- 
 tirely destitute, while he spends all he or they can 
 earn, for rum in Littleville, and then begs his way 
 home of the farmers between here and there. Every- 
 body is out of patience with Jim, — some so much so, 
 they will not even help his family ; but I do not see 
 that the children are to blame, and they ought to go 
 to school, and possibly be prevented from becoming 
 like their father. 
 
 Several : I don't see what I can do ; nor I ; nor I. 
 
 Others : Let's hear your proposition. 
 
 Ned : It is this : that we put together our spare 
 change and out-grown clothes, and influence others to 
 
134 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 do the same, and get up decent suits for them to wear 
 to school. 
 
 Several : Good ; I indorse it. 
 
 Others : I don't see what I can do. 
 
 Ned : We can hiy the plan before our parents, and 
 ask their aid in wisely selecting and arranging ; and 
 the sewing our mothers and the girls will do, I know. 
 Some of us can give old school-books, too, and have 
 them fully equipped by the time the next term opens. 
 Now, how many will join with me in this undertak- 
 ing ? I hope every one will say /. 
 
 All {heartily) : I will ; and I ; and I ; and I ; etc. 
 
 Ned : Thank you ; Come np to our house next 
 Tuesday afternoon, and we will all show what we 
 have been able to do, and make further arrangements. 
 
 One of the hoys : Good for Ked. 
 
 Another : He is a philanthropist. 
 
 Scene III. — Cant. — {Same room as in Scene I. TJie same 
 luoraan sewing. Boys, John and James, dressed in luhole, 
 second-hand garments, twirling their hats and shuffling 
 old school-books, of which there is a pile on the table. Little 
 Mary, in a new print apron, seated near her mother, look- 
 ing over a primer.) 
 
 Mrs. Ridley: You will come home to your din- 
 ners. We shall have the nice chicken good Mrs. 
 Croly sent over. 
 
 John: How good Mrs. .Croly is! What did she 
 mean, mother, by saying that Deacon Hardy's religion 
 was all cant? 
 
 Mrs. R. : She meant that it was a pretence. That 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 135 
 
 she feared he did not live as a Christian, though he 
 professed to be one. 
 
 John : I should think so; He would not give us a 
 pint of milk when baby was sick. 
 
 Mrs. B. : Well, my son, we will not judge the 
 deacon. Your father owes him now. 
 
 John {shaiyly) : That's no sign he should let the 
 baby die ! Mrs. Croly w^as right when she said those 
 good boys who gave us so much had more religion in 
 one little linger than the deacon in his whole body. 
 There is no cant about them. 
 
 James: That's so. When mamma said she won- 
 dered how they could do so much, Ned Hartley 
 said they had no such word as can't in their Book- 
 tionary. 
 
 Mrs. B. : Dictionary. 
 
 James : Well, no matter ; it's a big book. 
 
 Mary {holding uiJ Jier hook to her mother) : See, 
 mamma ; that dog and those rabbits. 
 
 Mrs. B. : Yes, dear. How much we owe those good 
 boys. 
 
 Mary: I wish they'd come. {Sound of several 
 steps outside, and a rap at the door.) Oh, they're here 
 now. (Jumping up.) Where's my bonnet ? (John 
 opens the door.) 
 
 Voice from luithout : Come on, boys. It wdll be 
 school-time in a few minutes. Nell and Jennie are 
 here to go wdth Mary. (A bustle to get hats and boohs. 
 Mrs. B. ties on Mary's sun-bonnet and kisses her. The 
 children go out, Mary last.) 
 
 Mary {looking back) : Good-by, ma; isn't it nice ? 
 
136 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Scene TV. -- Mendicant. — {Farmliou^e kitchen. Table 
 partlij cleared of the remnants of breakfast. Miis. Blair 
 going in and out at the left carrying food and dishes away. 
 Enter at the right Mrs. Allen with shawl over her head 
 and a pitcher in her hand.) 
 
 Mrs. B. : Good-morning, Mrs. Allen. You've caught 
 me now, at this time o' day, just clearing off my table. 
 Have a chair. (^Shoving one toward lier.) 
 
 Mrs. A. : I ran in for a pitcher of mixing-milk. 
 We don't have milk now, and I must bake to-day. 
 
 Mrs. B. : Oh, certainly ! You sit down, and I'll get 
 lb. (Takes the pitcher. Mrs. A. sits doum.) You see, 
 I'm all behindhand with my work. Melissa took a 
 start to go to Littleville, this morning, as her father 
 was going ; and there was her valise to pack, and a 
 stitch here and a stitch there, to be taken ; so I just 
 dropped everything and helped her till they got away. 
 
 Mrs. A. : I saw them go by. I reckoned she was 
 going to Littleville. {Exit Mrs. B. with pitcher.) 
 Humph ! I wonder what Melissa is off to Littleville 
 again, so soon, for ? Before I'd have Abigail chasing 
 about all the time in that way, I guess I'd see ! (Enter 
 Mrs. B.) 
 
 Mrs. B. (placing pitcher on the table) : Did you 
 know that old beggar was in the neighborhood 
 again ? 
 
 Mrs. A. : dear ! no ; is he ? ^ 
 
 Mrs. B. : Yes; Ben Martin was over this morning, 
 and said he staid in their barn last night, and was 
 hanging round the house since before daylight, for 
 some breakfast. They say he is Jim Eidley, from 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 137 
 
 Maple Grove, and drinks up everything lie can get 
 when he goes to Littleville, and then begs his way 
 back home. Jacob says he is ?i mendicant because he 
 can't wend either his ways or his fortune. 
 
 Mrs. A. : Precious little he'll get out of me, after 
 this ! 
 
 Mrs. B. : That's what I told Sara. I won't have 
 him in the house. Said I to Jacob this morning, said 
 I, " You can see what rum does by looking at him. I 
 remember when he was a likely enough boy, and 
 proud as the best of them, and now he's just a 
 drunken beggar." Said I, " Take warning, Jacob, 
 and let the vile stuff alone ; " and I think he will. 
 
 Mrs. A. : Has he gone along yet ? 
 
 Mrs. B. : No, I guess not. {Looking out the window.) 
 There he is. now, coming down the hill ! He walks 
 very slowly. 
 
 Mrs. A. {rising) : Well, I must go, then, for Abigail 
 is there alone, and would be almost scared into fits if 
 he should go in. {Takes the pitcher.) Thank you 
 for the milk. Come over, by and by. 
 
 Mrs. B. : I will, if I get time. You and Abigail 
 run in here. {Exit Mrs. A.) 
 
 3Irs. B. {cleari7ig the table) : I'll get the victuals 
 out of sight. {Carries oif table-cloth cit left and re- 
 turns w'ith broom just as the beggar " tattered and 
 torn " comes shuffling in at right.) 
 
 Beggar : Mornin', ma'am. 
 
 Mrs. B. {coldly — sweeping) : I guess you mistook 
 the place. We don't keep a public-house. 
 
 Beggar: Ah! yes, — ah! ma'am, but couldn't you 
 give a fellov/ a little breakfast ? 
 
138 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Mrs. B. : No, sir ! You can just pull on to tlie poor- 
 house, half a mile over the next hill. 
 
 Beggar {advanrAng) : But I slept in a barn last 
 night, and am cold and hungry. 
 
 Mrs. B. {shorthj) : Sorry to hear it. Can't you work ? 
 
 Beggar: Yes, ma'am, — but hard times, you know. 
 Can't you give me some bread and tea ? 
 
 Mrs. B. : No : my bread is out, and tea is cold. 
 
 Beggar (coming still farther into the room) : 
 Haven't you got some potatoes, cold puddin', or some- 
 thin' ? 
 
 Mrs. B. : No, nothing — absolutely nothing for you. 
 
 Beggar: You'll let me set a sx3ell by your stove 
 and warm me ? (Laying hand on chair.) 
 
 Mrs. B. : No, sir ! Leave this instant ; you misera- 
 ble drinking beggar. Leave, I say ! (Drives him off 
 with the broom.) Go away, and stay away, until you 
 can mend your habits. 
 
 Beggar : Mend ? — I — cant. 
 
 LONGFELLOW. 
 
 {For hirtliday entertainment.) 
 
 No star or light, lit by God's hand, 
 
 Once flashes in existence. 
 But shines and shines forever on, 
 
 Through time and change and distance. 
 
 Homer is the star of Greece, 
 
 Which glows through all the ages. 
 
 And leaves a lingering line of light 
 On half our printed pages. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 139 
 
 Virgil flashed from Eoman skies, 
 
 With lustre softly glowing ; 
 And still adown the fields of time 
 
 His radiance is flowing. 
 
 Amid a crowd of charming lights 
 
 In England's constellations, 
 One Shakespeare proudly stands alone, 
 
 The poet of the nations. 
 
 And we, so young a hundred years 
 
 Can almost tell our story, 
 Are proud to count our own fair star 
 
 In this galaxy of glory. 
 
 He shines so near and yet so clear, 
 
 Serenest, and the calmest, 
 E-eflections from the selfsame source 
 
 With Israel's sacred Psalmist. 
 
 And when compared with those profane, 
 
 He rises purer, higher : 
 Mark faithful, sweet Evangeline, 
 
 And Helen fair of Tyre. 
 
 "Evangeline, who found her lover only when dying. 
 And, as she pressed once more the lifeless head to 
 
 her bosom, 
 She bowed her own meekly, and murmured, ' Father, I 
 
 thank Thee ! ' 
 
140 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 ^^ ^ Talk not of wasted affection, affection never was 
 
 wasted ; 
 If it enrich not the heart of another, its waters 
 
 returning, 
 Back to their s^jrings, like the rain, shall fill them 
 
 full of refreshment/ "' 
 
 What heroes of the Trojan war. 
 
 Who words and weapons brandish, 
 In generous friendship can compare 
 With sturdy, grand Miles Standish ? 
 Who defeated in love by his friend, returned and 
 
 appeared at the wedding, 
 "Bodily there in his armor Miles Standish, the 
 
 Captain of Plymouth ! 
 Grasping the bridegroom's hand, he said with emo- 
 tion, ' Forgive me ! ' " 
 
 Ami who, from even Shakespeare's brain 
 
 Sprang forth so full of beauty, 
 As the Indian warrior of the west, 
 
 In war, in love, in duty ? 
 You have heard how Hiawatha 
 " Prayed and fasted in the forest, 
 itifot for greater skill in hunting. 
 Not for greater craft in fishing, 
 Not for triumphs in the battle, 
 And renown among the warriors. 
 But for profit of the people, 
 For advantage of the nations." 
 And have learned of Hiawatha, 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 141 
 
 How " the feeble hands and helpless, 
 Groping blindly in the darkness, 
 Touch God's right hand in that darkness, 
 And are lifted up and strengthened.'^ 
 
 We turn from Ulysses' wanderings. 
 
 And Penelope's trials severe. 
 To rejoice in the " Tales of a Wayside Inn," 
 
 The " Ride of Paul Eevere," 
 " A hurry of hoofs in a village street, 
 A shape in the moonlight, a bulk in the dark. 
 And beneath, from tlie pebbles, in passing, a spark 
 Struck out by a steed flying fearless and fleet : 
 That was all. And yet, through the gloom and the 
 
 ■light, 
 The fate of a nation was riding that night ; 
 And the spark struck out by that steed, in his 
 
 flight, 
 Kindled the land into flame with its heat." 
 
 And the Monk of the Legend Beautiful 
 
 In his silent chamber praying ; 
 Who heard amid the Heavenly light 
 
 A voice within him saying : 
 " ' Do thy duty ; that is best ; 
 Leave unto thy Lord the rest ! " 
 And among the homeless poor 
 Praying still outside the door, 
 "^Whatsoever thing thou doest 
 To the least of mine and lowest. 
 That thou doest unto me ! " 
 
142 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 And Elizabeth Haddon's gentle face, 
 
 With the faith of the Puritan shining, 
 In the dull routine of her country life, 
 So patient and unrepining. 
 '^ Mindful not of herself, but bearing the burdens of 
 
 others, 
 Always thoughtful and kind and untroubled." 
 
 We turn from the Gods of ancient song 
 
 Who the bloodiest heroes defended ; 
 We turn from the nymphs who the Duke of Milan, 
 
 In his island cell, attended, 
 
 And list for the " footsteps of angel bands/' 
 
 That come at the twilight hours, 
 And learn of infinite love and hope 
 
 Erom " The Eeaper and the Flowers." 
 
 They come in the tender " Voices of Mght/' 
 
 To awaken and remind us, 
 That we make for good, or make for ill, 
 
 Each footprint we leave behind us. 
 
 Well if we learn for our "Eainy Day," 
 
 The spirit of " Eesignation," 
 And join as we drain the " Goblet of Life," 
 
 Blind Ajax' supplication, — 
 " Let ifur unceasing, earnest prayer 
 Be, too, for light, — for strength to bear 
 Our portion of the weight of care. 
 That crushes into dumb despair 
 
 One half the human race." 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 143 
 
 The ^' Birds of Passage " flying past 
 
 In bright or cloudy weather, 
 From out their plumage here and there 
 Drop down a shining feather. 
 " They are the throngs 
 Of the poet's songs. 
 Murmurs of pleasures, and pains, and wrongs, 
 The sound of winged words.'' 
 
 Sweet " Santa Filomena " here, 
 
 " The Golden Milestone " there. 
 And after " The Children " the poet loved, 
 
 " Sandalphon," the angel of prayer. 
 " And the legend, I feel, is a part 
 Of the hunger and thirst of the heart, 
 
 The frenzy and fire of the brain. 
 That grasps at the fruitage forbidden, 
 The golden pomegranates of Eden, 
 
 To quiet its fever and pain.'' 
 
 By sylvan streams " The Flower-de-Luce " 
 
 For our delight is growing, 
 And we pause to hear the " Christmas Bells," 
 
 And the " Wind o'er the Chimney blowing." 
 
 The " Christmas Bells " ring loud and deep, 
 " God is not dead ; nor doth he sleep ! 
 
 The Wrong shall fail. 
 
 The Eight prevail. 
 With peace on earth, good will to men ! '^ 
 
144 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 And the answer to the " Blowing/' 
 
 " ISTo endeavor is in vain ; 
 Its reward is in the doing, 
 And the rapture of pursuing 
 
 Is the prize the vanquished gain/' 
 
 Oh naught but the heart of the poet so sweet 
 
 As the music of his singing, 
 Pure waters from a crystal fount, 
 
 To outer sunshine springing. 
 
 And through the earth the thirsty lips 
 Of Adam's sons and daughters, 
 
 Find sometimes here a sparkling hint 
 Of Love's eternal waters. 
 
 And though from earth the singer passed 
 Through Life's mystical western portal, 
 
 The singing goes on — the God-given light 
 On earth, and in Heaven, immortal. 
 
 A PICNIC POEM. 
 
 Fkom pleasant homes 'mid fertile fields, 
 Beneath the summer's scorching sun, 
 
 To sylvan haunts of vocal shade 
 The farming-people we have won. 
 
 These columns grand around us rise. 
 Clothed in their dress of living green ; 
 
 While overhead and closing round. 
 Stretches God's crystal arch serene. 
 
 J 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 1-15 
 
 And liere beneath our feet is spread 
 A carpet, green and soft and cool ; 
 
 While lessons grand about us lie 
 In Nature's omnipresent school. 
 
 But better than the vocal shade, 
 
 That shields us from the burning sun ; 
 
 Better than mosses, flowers, and ferns, 
 Or any gifts from woodland won ; 
 
 Than crystal arch or towering trees. 
 
 Or murmuring breezes' welcome kiss, — 
 
 Is social friendship's generous bloom. 
 Fostered to growth in scenes like this. 
 
 We meet and shake the friendly hand, 
 
 And all our faces wear a smile ; 
 And cares that crowd upon us all 
 
 Are lost in cheerful thoughts the while. 
 
 The pleasant word and laugh go round, 
 And seeds of love are thickly sown. 
 
 And flowers of joy and fruits of good 
 Are nurtured in each pleasant tone. • 
 
 And here beneath these spreading trees, 
 That stretch above in grandest grace, 
 
 Let fancy build a social creed 
 
 To meet the wants of every place. 
 
 A thing of beaut}^ it shall be, 
 
 When into fair proportions grown ; 
 
 Its pillars Truth, its arch of Love, 
 And Charity its corner-stone. 
 
146 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Envy and hatred, pride and scorn, 
 
 Ko part, nor place, nor thought can claim, 
 
 Where loving hearts on social heights 
 Print out in gold each neighbor's name. 
 
 Gossip shall die for want of care, 
 Good feeling rise as that shall fall ; 
 
 And every flower that blooms for one 
 Shall in a sense give sweet to all. 
 
 Each joy shall thrill through all our hearts, 
 Each grief shall find responsive moan, 
 
 Good luck or ill shall touch us all, 
 Nor be for any one alone. 
 
 If error comes and weakness proves 
 
 We after all are human still, 
 Forgiveness true shall draw us back. 
 
 And cups with blessed sweetness fill. 
 
 Eor we shall leave the bitterness, 
 We're all deserving more or less, 
 
 To Him who judgment calls His own. 
 And make our work to cheer and bless. 
 
 When in all hearts the happy germ 
 Of such a social creed has birth, 
 
 How near will Eden be restored. 
 Or Heaven begun, indeed, on earth ! 
 
 And meetiDg oft in scenes like this 
 Will help to make our daily real ; 
 
 If not as high, at least reach up. 
 And gladly grow toward my ideal. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 147 
 
 For, with relief from toil and care, 
 It fosters health and mental good, 
 
 And binds our hearts in closest bonds 
 Of love, and common brotherhood. 
 
 So, if to-day some pleasant seeds 
 Into our hearts and lives are cast, 
 
 May they be nurtured into bloom. 
 And this glad scene be not our last. 
 
 DECORATION DAY. 
 
 To-day the earth is dressed in green, 
 And decked with sweetest flowers ; 
 
 And all the sky smiles overhead 
 To bless this land of ours. 
 
 No bloody fields portray to-day 
 
 The country's priceless cost. 
 Scarce lovelier could the world have looked 
 
 Ere Paradise was lost. 
 
 Above the fields of former strife 
 
 Now starts the waving grain. 
 And all is bloom and light and life, 
 
 Where our heroes brave were slain. 
 
 Bring sweetest flowers to deck the graves 
 Where their noble forms are laid ; 
 
 Bring amaranths and evergreens, 
 Not those that early fade. 
 
148 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Plant myrtle and forget-me-nots 
 
 And roses, white and red ; 
 Twine laurel wreaths about the stones 
 
 Where sleep our martyred dead. 
 
 And in the heart and on the lip 
 
 Let those who lie away, 
 Far off in swamps and in the sea, . 
 
 Be crowned with living Bay. 
 
 All this we do in memory 
 
 Above their sacred dust. 
 While they, 'mid flowers sweeter than ours, 
 
 Rejoice to-day, we trust. 
 
 And while we feel they do not need 
 
 Our little gifts of praise. 
 The country needs their flowery mounds 
 
 Through all its future days. 
 
 Oh may a living monument "* 
 
 Be raised in hearts to-day. 
 To keep the gift they saved for us 
 
 In purity for aye. 
 
 May children's children evermore 
 
 In this same work delight. 
 And hold this day in sacredness 
 
 To freedom, truth, and right. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 149 
 
 THE CHILDREN OP THE SABBATH 
 SCHOOL,. 
 
 {For Children's Day.) 
 
 They come in the golden morning, 
 Tlie children, merry and sweet, 
 
 To learn the lessons Mary learned, 
 When she sat at the Saviour's feet. 
 
 They come to drink at the Fountain, 
 
 Whose waters, crystal clear. 
 Change all the bitter to sweetness, 
 
 Through life's short journey here. 
 
 They come to gatiier the treasure, 
 
 Bright gems more precious than gold ; 
 
 Which, with no use, will tarnish, 
 And with time will ne'er grow old. 
 
 They come to partake of the Bread of Life, 
 Which we break in the Master's name ; 
 
 And, in the freshness of childhood, 
 His promises sweet to claim. 
 
 O beautiful, beautiful children. 
 
 What lessons tender and true, 
 Do you give to your world-wise teachers, 
 
 AVhile they claim to be teaching you ! 
 
 Ah, well may we pray for wisdom. 
 That we give you only the truth ; 
 
 And lead you up to a fuller life. 
 From a happy a,ud innocent youth. 
 
150 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 ONWARD. 
 
 {Read at an Alumni meeting.) 
 
 Never backward, ever onward, 
 KoU tlie chariot wheels of time ; 
 
 And the clock ticks forward, forward, 
 In a loW; prophetic chime. 
 
 In the sunny locks of childhood, 
 In the opening buds of spring; 
 
 In the dim-eyed, gray-haired aged, 
 In the fruits the harvest bring. 
 
 See, the path leads ^ve? outward, 
 When we wake, and Avhen we sleep ; 
 
 First the wheels but touch it lightly, 
 Then the ruts gi'ow wide and deep. 
 
 Though we look with eager longing — 
 Backward turn a tearful face, 
 
 Not a step in all the journey 
 Can our moving feet retrace. 
 
 Happy school-days lie behind us, 
 Rising up in memory bright ; 
 
 As we gaze on other students, 
 Gathered in these halls to-night. 
 
 Thus it is through years and ages, 
 New ones take the place of old ; 
 
 Constant changes mark the pathway. 
 Where the wheels of time have rolled. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 151 
 
 And, with, time, the steps of progress, 
 
 In God's wisely ordered world, 
 Move ahead with this same motto, 
 
 On its banner wide unfurled. 
 
 From the days when out of Eden, 
 Under Heaven's blue smiling arch, 
 
 God, to punish our first parents. 
 Gave to them a " Forward March.." 
 
 To the time when to the manger, 
 
 Shepherds came at Jesus' birth., 
 Bringing offerings and blessings 
 
 To the fairest child on earth. 
 
 Had the Prophets and the teachers 
 
 Helped to move the work along ; 
 Had foretold the Saviour's coming. 
 
 And the overthrow of wrong. 
 
 From the days of Inquisition 
 
 When, in Jesus' holy name. 
 Blood was shed, and faithful martyrs 
 
 Perished at the stake in flame. 
 
 To this day when Freedom, bravely, 
 Gives to speech and thought a right ; 
 
 Has the world been moving upward 
 To a clearer, broader light. 
 
 Art and education s^Dreading, 
 
 And religious hopes are shown. 
 Promising a wider glory 
 
 Than the past has ever known. 
 
152 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 And unto Religion wedded, 
 
 Science holds her snowy hand ; 
 
 While sweet Peace and Industry 
 Walk rejoicing through the land. 
 
 All of Nature bears this motto, 
 In the earth, the sea, the sky ; 
 
 E'en the worm of yesterday, • 
 Soars to-day a butterfly. 
 
 As the tiniest seed holds ever, 
 
 Wondrous germs of springing life ; 
 
 So has man within him dwelling. 
 Mind with powers for active strife. 
 
 E'en the little crowing infant, 
 Nestling in his mother's arms, 
 
 Tiny thing for fond caresses. 
 
 Ever sweet with countless charms, 
 
 Catches from the world around it. 
 Little world of mother's smiles, 
 
 That which feeds its active senses, 
 And its little thought beguiles. 
 
 But as Time moves swiftly onward, 
 Drawing marks across its face. 
 
 Soon the child must learn to struggle 
 Or be losing in the race. 
 
 Eor, while God has written " onward " 
 Everywhere in earth and sky, 
 
 He has given man a spirit. 
 That must help itself to fly. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 153 
 
 Weak the soul that sits in darkness, 
 
 With no struggle for the light j 
 All around, within, above it, 
 
 Calls it to an upward flight. 
 
 Moments pregnant with importance. 
 Brimming o'er with precious truth; 
 
 Flying past with golden promise, 
 For the fiery heart of youth. 
 
 Flowers of gladness, fruits of sweetness, 
 
 Bloom and ripen every day ; 
 Tinted shells, with pearls inside them, 
 
 Are washed up and borne away. 
 
 Precious ores await the mining. 
 And the harvest fields are white ; 
 
 Laurel wreaths still wait for victors, 
 On the field of truth and right. 
 
 There are mountains steep and rugged 
 
 Yet for human feet to try ; 
 There are valleys, yet uncultured, 
 
 Where the multitudes go by. 
 
 Heaven above, and earth beneath us, 
 
 Hold great volumes 3- et unread ; 
 And for words the world is calling, 
 
 That, as yet, no tongue has said. 
 
 It is ours to journey upward, 
 
 Wh}^ this lagging of our wings ? 
 Why this shrinking from the labor, 
 
 When we long for what it brings ? 
 
154 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Though for some there's little research, 
 Into science's depthless mine. 
 
 All may drink at Shiloh's fountain, 
 And their spirits there refine. 
 
 Not alone the strong and healthful, 
 Not alone the buoyant youth, 
 
 May reap golden fruits of promise, 
 From the ripening fields of Truth. 
 
 Not alone the public preacher. 
 Not alone the men of fame, 
 
 Move the world to great endeavor,^ 
 And the crowns of Heaven claim. 
 
 By the humble country firesides. 
 Words are spoken soft and low, 
 - That shall sound from many housetops. 
 In the coming day, we know. 
 
 There are little knowledge boxes, 
 On these hillsides green and fair. 
 
 That are fitting out the heroes. 
 From the lads and lassies there. 
 
 There's a little, low, brown cottage, 
 Where a woman dwells alone. 
 
 Who has uttered words most worthy 
 Of a queen upon her throne. 
 
 Words she never thought would linger 
 In the mighty realm of thought j 
 
 Like the down of thistle blossoms 
 Go, and never can be caught. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 155 
 
 There's a room of taste and culture, 
 
 Where another lies all day 
 On a bed of pain and weakness, 
 
 Wrinkled face and hair of gray. 
 
 But with eyes of wondrous beauty. 
 Where the lights of heaven sleep ; 
 
 And a voice as when soft fingers 
 O'er a sweet-toned organ sweep. 
 
 Oil, her soul's been moving upward, 
 
 In its prison-house of pain ; 
 And her influence has moved outward 
 
 In a work no wrong can chain. 
 
 Many a soul is shouting praises 
 From the songs that she has sung ; 
 
 For no pain can check the progress 
 Of a heart forever young. 
 
 Oh, no work can be more worthy, 
 
 Than of struggling bravely on ; 
 Pining not with idle longings 
 
 Over hopes forever gone. 
 
 Building up from shattered ruins 
 
 Faith and hope for future years ; 
 Gathering peace, which calmly shining, 
 
 Makes a rainbow of our tears. 
 
 Fair sweet faces that we buried 
 
 In the darkness, out of sight, 
 Should be strong and pure incentives 
 
 Leading ever toward the light. 
 
156 SPEAKIKG PIECES 
 
 For upon those sliores eternal 
 They are "beckoning us along ; 
 
 To encourage us in striving, 
 
 And give sweetness to our song. 
 
 Onward, upward, be our watchwords, 
 And each trial on our way, 
 
 Be but stepping stones, still leading 
 To the great unclouded day. 
 
 Not alone in life eternal 
 
 Shall we win a crown of gold, 
 
 But in all our work of fitting 
 Do we reap an hundred-fold. 
 
 All the angels help us forward, 
 
 And, when faith has passed to sight. 
 
 Still I think the motto " Onward,'' 
 Will be written there in light. 
 
 BIRTHDAY LINES. 
 
 (For the Month of Maij.) 
 TO GRANDMA. 
 
 Again the month of bud and bloom, 
 That puts to flight all wintry gloom. 
 
 Makes glad the children of men. 
 And brings us here with right good cheer 
 To celebrate, grandma dear, 
 
 Your threescore years and ten. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 157 
 
 As tlie earth renews herself to-day 
 With sunny skies and blossoms gay, 
 
 Would we your youth renew, 
 By scattering about your feet 
 The violets fair and roses sweet 
 
 Which once about you grew. 
 
 But, ah ! no earthly love has power 
 To summon in a leisure hour. 
 
 The pleasures that have flown ; 
 Eecall the years that long since fled, 
 Or bring to life the precious dead 
 
 From graves so long grass-grown. 
 
 But we can come with eager feet, 
 With later loves and garlands sweet. 
 
 And wish you joy to-day ; 
 To twine among your autumn leaves. 
 Your garnered fruits and ripened sheaves, 
 
 The blossoms of our May. 
 
 Through all the years your hand has wrought 
 With wise design and loving thought, 
 
 The seeds of good to sow, 
 We trace the loving Hand Divine, 
 And mark God's goodness round you shine. 
 
 In Autumn's golden glow. 
 
 The memories of your own glad spring 
 With tender shadows still must cling. 
 About these later years ; 
 
158 speaki:n"g pieces 
 
 But evermore, with radiance bright 
 To Christian hearts, a happy light 
 Upon the cloud appears. 
 
 The dear ones that you've loved and lost 
 Have but the silent Eiver crossed, 
 
 To hopes and joys unseen ; 
 They form with those upon this shore 
 A circle, perfect as before. 
 
 With river mists between. 
 
 So, as the years renew their springs. 
 Life still to you new blessing brings, 
 
 New blossoms of the May. 
 Each birthday adds some jewel fair 
 Of love unto the crown you wear, 
 
 That never fades away. 
 
 WEDDING ANNIVERSARY LINES. 
 
 Dear friends, across the fleeting years 
 Of many smiles and fewer tears, 
 A pleasant chain of light appears, 
 
 A golden line, 
 To join the pleasures of to-day 
 With that now slipped so far away, 
 When first your lives were joined for aye 
 
 By word divine. 
 
 Along this line we like to trace 
 The bridegroom's beaming, happy face ; 
 The modest bride's becoming grace. 
 Where love appears j 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 159 
 
 And then to note the pleasant life, 
 With blessings and with gladness rife, 
 And greet to-day both man and wife 
 Of thirty years. 
 
 Oh, blessed path your feet have trod, 
 Beneath the loving eye of God. 
 The years, with sandals golden shod, 
 
 Have come and gone 5 
 And the dear circle, whence the bride 
 Stepped forth to walk her choice beside. 
 Unbroken still, in peace abide. 
 
 No link withdrawn. 
 
 But added links of lustre bright. 
 Of love and hope and joy and light, 
 Are woven in that chain to-night. 
 
 And in the van 
 Is filial love ; the little feet 
 Paused not in childhood's pastures sv^^eet, 
 But quick and straight for manhood's street 
 
 They eager ran. 
 
 And some there are who gather here. 
 Whose hearts do hold a record dear 
 Of kindly acts and words of cheer 
 
 Which you have given ; 
 We come to show how strong and deep 
 The memory of kind acts we keep ; 
 As thus you sow, so may you reap 
 
 This side of Heaven. 
 
160 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 And as the shadows longer grow, 
 As on life's downward road you go, 
 To where eternal waters flow, 
 
 May evening shades 
 Still find a light abont yonr hearth. 
 Lit by the choicest loves of earth. 
 Whose fragrance of immortal birth 
 
 The air pervades. 
 
 anniv:brsary poem. 
 
 {For the Golden Wedding of a Sabbath SchooL) 
 SUPERINTE]??DEXT AXD TEACHER. 
 
 Eejoice, be glad, a light divine 
 
 In these rooms I seem to see, 
 As when Jesus made the water wine 
 
 In Cana of Galilee. 
 
 That wedding service, how sweet and grand, 
 Where He was the honored guest. 
 
 And every union of hand with hand 
 By His i^resence may be blessed. 
 
 We may feel it here, with conscious pride, 
 And joy that smiles through tears. 
 
 As we honor a love which has been tried 
 Through half a hundred years. 
 
 O beautiful years of shadow and sun. 
 Since youth's radiant roseate glow 
 
 Eirst brightened the p'ath but just begun 
 In that sweet long ago. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 161 
 
 Wealth showered no gifts of silver and gold 
 
 On that simple wedding-da}^ ; 
 But the faith and love which could not grow old 
 
 Were better far than they. 
 
 And hearts and hands were brave and true, 
 
 And never afraid to toil ; 
 So little by little the homestead grew 
 
 From out the sturdy soil. 
 
 With added cares came added joys, 
 
 Each crowding each along. 
 And a healthy band of girls and boys 
 
 Soon filled the home with song. 
 
 friends, how often, o'er and o'er, 
 
 Death's angel trod the land. 
 And, pausing at some neighbor's door, 
 
 Still left in peace your band. 
 
 But other loves and other homes 
 
 Have claimed them one by one, 
 Until, as the evening twilight comes, 
 
 You're left once more alone. 
 
 Yet not alone, for love once ours 
 
 Can never pass away ; 
 The fragrance of those earlier hours 
 
 Fills all these rooms to-day. 
 
 Once more the music of youthful glee 
 
 Re-echoes in the hall, 
 And perchance the children whom you see 
 
 By the old, sweet names you call. 
 
162 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 And matrons fair, with thoughtful brow, 
 
 And earnest, deep-voiced men, 
 Who call you father and mother now 
 
 Give answer back again. 
 
 God's promises pass not away. 
 
 In them you safely rest ; 
 And children's children here to-day 
 
 Else up to call you blest. 
 
 And we cannot forget, who ourselves have known, 
 How your hearts have opened wide, 
 
 To embrace the children not your own. 
 Their little steps to guide. 
 
 You saw God's vineyards for harvest white. 
 
 And the laborers very few ; 
 And the schoolroom became a temple of light 
 
 For a noble work and true. 
 
 Though years have passed, you may not see 
 
 The fruit you labored to win, 
 For we cannot know what the end will be 
 
 When we gather the children in. 
 
 But the Master counteth every seed 
 
 Which in His name is sown. 
 A cup of cold water to one in need 
 
 Is as to Him alone. 
 
 With neighbors, friends, and children dear 
 
 We blend our wishes to-night ; 
 As the past has been useful through many a year, 
 
 Be the future peaceful and bright. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 168 
 
 May Father Time, who's silvered your hair 
 And brought you a wedding of gold, 
 
 Preserve your youth with reverent care, 
 That your hearts may never grow old. 
 
 At the end of the way, which cannot be long, 
 
 Is a beautiful golden gate. 
 Which opens into the land of song 
 
 Where Christ and His angels wait. 
 
 A joyful entrance there you will claim 
 
 When, leaving your earthly home, 
 To the marriage supper of the Lamb 
 
 The Bridegroom bids you come. 
 
 CRYSTAL WEDDING LINES, 
 
 Dear bride and bridegroom, we have come 
 With hearts more full than hands ; 
 
 For well we know affection true 
 More love than gifts demands. 
 
 Each face is bright with friendly light, 
 Each hand-clasp warm and true ; 
 
 Each heart-throb that our bosoms feel, 
 A kindly throb for you. 
 
 In every gift that we have brought, 
 
 A gleam of love appears. 
 To throw a light back on the path 
 
 You've walked these fifteen years. 
 
164 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Sweet years ! Life's dear home-blessings lie 
 Bedecked with flowers and pearls, 
 
 And clioicest shine among them ail 
 Your wreath of boys and girls. 
 
 God's gift are they ; all that we bring 
 
 Are only emblems small, 
 Of that Great Love which, throned above, 
 
 Still holds and guides us all. 
 
 May He still guide your steps below, 
 
 And lead you in the light, 
 And grant, if best, we give you cheer 
 
 On your golden, ivedding night. 
 
 POEM. 
 
 {For a Golden Wedding Annivej^sary,) 
 
 Hark ! for I hear the music 
 Across the fields of snow. 
 
 Echoes sweet of the jubilant spring 
 In the hopeful long ago. 
 
 The song of birds in the orchard, 
 The breath of apple bloom. 
 
 Among the snows of winter 
 There lingers still perfume. 
 
 'Tis the day. of the golden wedding, 
 And the years that are between 
 
 Lie like a summer landscape. 
 In twilight's golden sheen. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 165 
 
 What though the snows of Avinter 
 
 Covered a world of frost ? 
 'Twa,s life's ov/n happy springtime 
 
 When Love the threshold crossed. 
 
 And spring when the wooing and winning 
 
 Planned out the humble nest, 
 Where hands could share life's burdens, 
 
 And hearts be truly blest. 
 
 To-day we meet in gladness 
 
 To celebrate the old, 
 And trace through half a century 
 
 Love's radiant line of gold. 
 
 We see no golden showering 
 
 Of worldly wealth and show ; 
 But love and faith unchanging 
 
 In that wedding long ago. 
 
 'Twas the old romance repeated 
 
 Where shadows crossed the sun, 
 And trial made triumph the sweeter, 
 
 When the prize at last was won. 
 
 And in the home, rejoicing, 
 
 The children came and played ; 
 And affection's song and laughter 
 
 The merry music made. 
 
 The precious elder sister, 
 
 The brothers full of fun, 
 And the mates who came to join them, 
 
 When the busy day was done. 
 
166 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Here the children gathered treasures 
 And strength for future cares 
 
 From the father's loving counselSj 
 And the mother's tender prayers. 
 
 But where the sun shines brightest, 
 The shadows darkest fall ; 
 
 And ever in the wake of smiles, 
 Tears come alike to all. 
 
 And in these songs of gladness, 
 There's a plaintive undertone ; 
 
 A sweet and precious memory 
 Where a lovely presence shone. 
 
 In the home now grown so empty, 
 When the boys return with pride 
 
 Bringing each a newer daughter, 
 His loved and chosen bride. 
 
 And the house again is merry 
 With childish prattle sweet ; 
 
 While hands outvie in scattering 
 The roses at your feet. 
 
 We know, friends ! how vacant 
 Is still the wide, wide place, 
 
 Where shone in radiant beauty 
 A dear one's sparkling face. 
 
 But sorrow is not without blessing, 
 And tears have a mission divine j 
 - God knows what we need to fit us 
 In His kinsrdom of love to shine. 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 167 
 
 The years have grown rich in passing, 
 
 And the last is not the least ; 
 The old wine Avas the richest, 
 
 At Cana's marriage feast. 
 
 You have lived to prove God's j)romise, 
 
 In which you sa,fely. rest ; 
 And rejoice that children's children 
 
 Kise up and call you blest. 
 
 What though life's bleak December 
 Has sprinkled its frost in your hair ; 
 
 Since your hearts keep young and tender, 
 It shines as a glory there. 
 
 And He who has crowned you with honor 
 
 Invites, when all time has flown. 
 To that glorious marriage supper, 
 
 Where Christ will claim His own. 
 
 GOLDEN WEDDING LINES. 
 
 Dear friends, upon this hallowed day, 
 
 We send you greeting cheer, 
 And golden wishes from our hearts, 
 
 To crown this golden year. 
 
 Along the path your youthful feet 
 
 Together chose to tread ; 
 Through shade and shine, through smiles and tears^ 
 
 Love's gentle hand has led. 
 
168 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 And looking backward through the years, 
 How brief what seemed so long ! 
 
 A half a century in a thought, 
 Kepeated in a song. 
 
 The happy home, the little ones, 
 The added thought and care ; 
 
 The little lamb caught from the fold, 
 The little vacant chair. 
 
 The added graves, the added tears. 
 
 To-day your hearts review ; 
 But clouds that seemed so dense and dark, 
 
 ISTow let the sunlight through. 
 
 For graves are often earthly signs 
 
 Of burdens sad laid down ; 
 And many a cross is buried here, 
 
 To give the loved a crown. 
 
 *' He liveth long, who liveth well ; " 
 
 How long a life appears, 
 When measured by the loving deeds 
 
 Of half a hundred years. 
 
 Wherein two hearts united stand, 
 To cheer and bless their kind ; 
 
 No wonder that of ripened fruits 
 A golden share you find. 
 
 The wishes of your many friends. 
 Fall down in ha^Dpy showers, 
 
 To fill with light and June-time bloom, 
 The Autumn's twilight hours. 
 
SPEAKIKG PIECES 169 
 
 Oh ! may the autumn be so bright, 
 
 So full of song and tune, 
 That at the last you'll pass in peace, 
 
 Into Eternal June. 
 
 And from the gold and diamond days, 
 
 Which rare to earth are given. 
 Go on and on to grander things. 
 
 Still hand in hand in heaven. 
 
 BIRTHDAY GREETING. 
 
 (To an elderly lady, loith a gift of floioers.) 
 
 In the autumn time, dear friend, I bring. 
 
 Not the fruits of the full, ripe year. 
 But the blossoms sweet of happy spring. 
 
 As a glad memento here. 
 For though I wish you abundant sheaves, 
 
 In return for good seed sown, 
 I believe your heart, 'mong the autumn leaves, 
 
 Its spring-time has not outgrown. 
 
 You know in the blessed Master's school, 
 
 The Shepherd's sheltering fold, 
 Where love and hope and faith have rule, 
 
 The pupils ne'er grow old. 
 So as you count to-day the years, 
 
 And Auld Lang Syne have sung, 
 With smiles we'll chase away the tears, 
 
 And count you still as young. 
 
170 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 ALUMNI POEM. 
 
 How one by one our birthdays come, 
 With silent steps, and voices dumb, 
 Till man's whole life is in the sum, 
 
 We note them not ; 
 Save after many a one has flown, 
 And weeds of change have overgrown 
 The flowers we, thinking were our own 
 
 So eagerly have sought. 
 
 fleeting years that come and go ! 
 Transforming all things that we know, 
 With lingers subtle if not slow. 
 
 We pause to-day, 
 And, looking out across the tide, 
 AVhich stretches inland far and wide, 
 The past and present to divide, 
 
 Eeview the way. 
 
 We see the faces pure and sweet, 
 We loved so much in youth to greet, 
 With light and merriment replete, 
 
 And sparkling eyes ; 
 We hear old steps upon the floor, 
 And voices gay come through the door, 
 And all the happy days of yore 
 
 In joyfulness arise. 
 
 1 close my eyes : a morning fair. 
 With singing birds and golden air 
 And breaths of sweetness everywhere 
 
 Around me glows j 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 171 
 
 A land of purple, gold, and green, 
 Of wooded hills and vales between, 
 And here and there the silver sheen 
 Where sparkling water flows. 
 
 Hope rides on every wave of light. 
 And helps to make the morning bright, 
 To one who never knew the night. 
 
 Youth's diadem ; 
 And in the freshness of life's morn 
 I leave the home where I was born 
 At time of planting of the corn, 
 
 To seek the dear old Sem. 
 
 Oh wonderful journey! eventful day ! 
 
 I never had been so far away, 
 
 No wonder my heart was light and gay 
 
 O'er all I met ! 
 Talk not to me of trips abroad ; 
 That day, when fairies, golden shod, 
 Made all the grass-blades smile and nod, 
 
 I never can forget. 
 
 'Twas planting time. My fresh, young heart. 
 Of Nature's self a happy part, 
 No knowledge had of pride or art 5 
 
 Its only need 
 Some workers in God's vineyards w^hite 
 To till the soil in prayer aright, 
 And in the spring-time, fresh and bright, 
 
 With care to sow the seeds. 
 
172 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 Were I to tell what there I found, 
 Some dear Alumni gathered round, 
 Would recognize each sight and sound, 
 
 And softly smile ; 
 Or be transported back in tears, 
 Over the intervening years, 
 To where the rosy light appears 
 
 On youth's transcendent isle. 
 
 The Seminary in its pride. 
 
 The white church nestled close beside, 
 
 Upon the common, green and wide, 
 
 Would see once more ; 
 And every path from every street, 
 Worn smooth by youthful, tripping feet. 
 At that one focus sure to meet, — 
 
 The Seminary door. 
 
 What tillers in that vineyard wrought ! 
 What flowers of love and gems of thought ! 
 What lessons grand were daily taught. 
 
 By faithful lives ! 
 Although the words, like seeds decayed. 
 When in the fertile soil they're laid. 
 Each plant that grew and cast its shade 
 
 Forevermore survives. 
 
 Ah ! many cities of the dead. 
 Over the silent past are spread, 
 Where cheeks grew pale and bright hopes fled, 
 Nor came again. 
 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 173 
 
 All ! Time has laid liis fingers grim, 
 As though ourselves belonged to him, 
 Our cheeks to blanch and eyes to dim, 
 Between the now and then. 
 
 And yet to-day gladly there stands, 
 What remnant of those happy bands 
 Is left to clasp each other's hands 
 
 Greetings to bear ; 
 In memory of those earlier hours. 
 Amid affection's blooming bowers. 
 To her whom still we claim as ours, — 
 
 Our Alma jMater dear. 
 
 Sometimes what in our hearts we bear, 
 With warmest love and gentlest care, 
 As mothers hold their babies fair, 
 
 AVith tender eyes : 
 Or the old oak its branches flings. 
 To guard the vine that round it clings, 
 We give the name of little things, 
 
 Eegardless of their size. 
 
 And those on whom we lean and rest, 
 
 As children on a parent's breast, 
 
 In whose strong wisdom we are blest, 
 
 The saint and sage ; 
 With reverent love we fondly hold. 
 And bless with praises manifold. 
 And in their greatness call them old, 
 
 Eegardless of their age. 
 
1T4 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 So, looking backward through the mist, 
 To where the early sunlight kissed 
 The faces sweet we long have missed, 
 
 And the dear school, 
 We call her old, though then forsooth, 
 She revelled in her happy youth, 
 Strong in her noble work of truth, 
 
 So good and beautiful. 
 
 She still is young, though years have flown, 
 
 And she to such proportions grown. 
 
 To stranger eyes would scarce be known ; 
 
 Yet through disguise 
 Of change of dress and time and place, 
 A child the lineaments will trace. 
 And recognize its mother's face, 
 
 With ever-ready eyes. 
 
 She still is young, and youth is strong 
 To forward right and battle wrong. 
 We trust her days may yet be long, 
 
 Her praises sung 
 By happy students yet unborn. 
 Her children still the land adorn. 
 And on her bright, centennial morn 
 
 She'll yet be strong and young. 
 
 O ye, the students of to-day ! 
 With footsteps light and faces gay, 
 Eejoicing in Life's sunny May, 
 One word to you : 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 175 
 
 A talisman for all your life, 
 Wliate'er the labor and the strife 
 With which your clays may yet be rife, 
 'Tis this, " Be true, he true ! " 
 
 In the same ways which we have trod, 
 Lay your foundations deep and broad, 
 True to yourselves, and true to God, 
 
 E'en in your youth ; 
 Learn it in life but just begun, 
 " It follows as the night the sun. 
 You cannot then be false to any one," 
 
 The poet's words of truth. 
 
 And ye, the class, that here no more 
 
 Will enter daily at the door, 
 
 But hear beyond the rush and roar 
 
 Of Life's great sea, 
 From shipwrecked hopes there comes no wail, 
 Ye only see the favoring gale. 
 And eager for an outward sail. 
 
 Your hearts beat cheerily. 
 
 And this is well, — a courage high, 
 Eeady for right to do or die, 
 When first the oj^en sea you try, 
 
 Is what you need ; 
 With hope and faith in truth combined, 
 With love for God and all mankind. 
 Leave every doubt and fear behind, — • 
 
 We wish you, then, God-speed. 
 
176 SPEAKING PIECES 
 
 And now tlie Alumni, friends of old, 
 Whose schooldays, like a story told, 
 Are pictures set in frames of gold, 
 
 One thought I bear, 
 To cheer me in Life's changing ways, 
 To turn my sighs to songs of praise. 
 And bridge with light the stormy days, 
 
 I'd like you all to share. 
 
 I know how quick the morn goes by. 
 And how the sun rides hot and high ; 
 But to descend the evening sky, 
 
 Alas, how soon ! 
 I know the shadows Avill longer grow, 
 When down the western slope we go, 
 To where eternal waters flow. 
 
 In Life's late afternoon. 
 
 I know how o'er and o'er again. 
 Sometimes in joy, often in pain. 
 We do a work which seems as vain 
 
 As Penelope's web ; 
 Across our way faint starlight shines, 
 From realms beyond our poor confines. 
 We take not the height of God's designs, 
 
 By our mental astrolabe. 
 
 But this one faith I have and hold, 
 The magic stone long sought of old, 
 Transmuting all things into gold. 
 We're students still 
 
SPEAKING PIECES 177 
 
 In God's great school, and lessons grand, 
 We sometimes fail to understand, 
 Are given by His loving hand, 
 To mould us to His will. 
 
 What though the early morning flies, 
 If noontide bring with sweet surprise, 
 Some nobler lessons, true and wise ? 
 
 As flowers unfold, 
 O'er every bud that disappears, 
 Why shed we Niobe's hopeless tears, 
 Since, counting the eternal years, 
 
 We never may grow old ? 
 
 The elixir the ancients sought, 
 
 Erom distant lands could not be brought, 
 
 But faith, and faith alone, has taught 
 
 The precious truth ; 
 If we but live Christ's life in ours, 
 We need not note the passing hours, 
 Nor fear the failing of our powers. 
 
 For Christ redeems our youth. 
 
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 THE MIMIC STAGE A new collection of Dramas Farces Comedies 
 
 and Burlesques for parlor theatricals evening entertainments and school 
 
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 AMATEUR DRAMAS For parlor theatricals evening entertainments 
 
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 THE GLOBE DRAMA Original Plays Illustrated $1.50 
 
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PEADIN6S 
 
 FOR HOME HALL 
 
 AND SCHOOL 
 
 Prepared by Professor LEWIS B. MONROE 
 
 Founder of the Boston School of Oratory 
 
 HUMOROUS READINGS In prose and verse For the use of schools 
 
 reading-clubs pubhc and parlor entertainments $1.50 
 
 " The book is readable from the first page to the last, and every article 
 contained in it is worth more than the price of the volume." — Providence. 
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 MISCELLANEOUS READINGS In prose and verse $1.50 
 
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 of leaving the old beaten track." — Rhode-Island Schoolmaster. 
 
 DIALOGUES AND DRAMAS For the use of dramatic and reading 
 clubs and for public social and school entertainments $1.50 
 '' If the acting of dramas such as are contained in this book, could be intro- 
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 YOUNG FOLKS' READINGS For social and pubhc entertainment $1.50 
 " Professor Monroe is one of the most successful teachers of elocution, as 
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 DIAI-OGUES FROM DICKENS Arranged for schools and home 
 amusement By W. Eliot Fette A.M. First series $1.00 
 
 DIALOGUES AND DRAMAS FROM DICKENS Second series 
 Arranged by W. Eliot Fette Illustrated $1.00 
 The dialogues in the above books are selected from the best points of the 
 
 stories, and can be extended by taking several scenes together. 
 
 THE GRAND DICKENS COSMORAMA Comprising several unique 
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 By G. B. Bartlett Paper 25 cents 
 
 THE READINGS OF DICKENS as condensed by himse'f for his own 
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 LITTLE PIECES FOR LITTLE SPEAKERS The primary- 
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 Cloth 75 cents Also in boards 50 cents 
 
 THE MODEL SUNDAY-SCHOOL SPEAKER Containing selec- 
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 " A book very much needed." 
 
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THE.FOBES ELOCUTIONARY HANDBOOKS. 
 
 FIVE-MINUTE DECLAMATIONS 
 
 F^OR SCHOOL AND COLLEGE 
 
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 FIVE-MINUTE RECITATIONS 
 
 FOR SCHOOL AND COLLEGE 
 Cloth, 50 Cents. 
 
 FIVE-MINUTE READINGS 
 
 CLOTH, 50 CENTS. 
 
 Pupils in public schools on declamation days are limited to five 
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 ELOCUTION SIMPLIFIED 
 
 With an Introduction by George M. Baker. 
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 " The Manual is divided into four parts. Part First describes a 
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 Part Fourth is a chapter giving general hints on elocution, and show- 
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 " With or without an instructor, this Manual is just what the student 
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 of price. 
 
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESSi 
 
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 THE SEVEN I.ITTI.E SISTERS WHO 
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 ING By Prof. Tweed late Supervisor of 
 
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 YOUNG FOLKS' HISTORY OF THE 
 
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 worth Higgiusou With over 100 Illustra- 
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 YOUNG FOLKS' BOOK OF AMERI- 
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 worth Higginson Illustrated cloth ^1.2() 
 HANDBOOK OP ENGLISH HISli^RY 
 
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 YOUNG PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF IRE- 
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 STORY OF OUR COUNTRY By Sirs. L. 
 
 B. Monroe Cloth 80 cents Boards «!0 cents 
 THE KING OF TH E GOLDEN RIVER 
 
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 BURGOYNE'S INVASION OP 1777 
 
 With an outline sketch of the American 
 
 Invasion of Canada 1775-76 By Samuel 
 
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 tion boards 60 cents per volume 
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 Price 30 cents each 
 
 Pictures ^ and Stories of Animals 
 
 Quadrupeds 1 By 
 
 Birds Mrs. 
 
 iiesrd^^frfiS^^^^ ™LIi^^^f^ 
 
 Sea and Biver Shells ^^'^^' ^^ IHustra. 
 
 Sea-uroMns and Corals J Xious 
 
 Young Polks' Book of Poetry Arranged by 
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 llifia West's Class in G-ecgraphy By JMiss 
 SparhaAvk 
 
 Child's Book of Eealfb By Dr. Blaisdell 
 
 Natural History P.ays By Louisa Parsons 
 Hopkins 
 
 Eobinsor Crusoe Arranged for Schools by 
 W. T. Adams 
 
 Arabian Kights' Eatei-ainments (Sel ction-o; 
 Arranged for Schools by Dr. Eliot formerly 
 Sui'erintendent Boston Schools 
 
 Stories fri.m Ameriian History By N. S. 
 1 )odge 
 
 Noble Deeds of our Patbers ss told by So]die;-s 
 of the Kevolntion gathevtd around Iho Old 
 Bell of Iixlependence Bj H. C. V/alstui 
 
 The Boston Tea-Party and ot h. r ;- tor as of the 
 KfVoJntion Relating nuuiy J>aring Dee<l8 
 of the old Heroes By H. C. "VVatson 
 
 The Piower Peop'o (Child's Talk with the 
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 Lessons on Manners By ^liss Wiggin 
 
 A Kiss for a Blow By J lenry Clarke Wright 
 
 The Nation in a Nutsheli By George IMuko- 
 peace Towle 
 
 Short Studies of American Authors By T. "NV. 
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