FISHING-GROUNDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND.]

* * * * *

THE SHIELD AND THE SHADOW.

["Before the 'silent millions' who make up the rank and file
of Hindoos discard the cruelties of their marriage system,
their opinions, prejudices, and habits of thought must change.
Nothing is more certain than that they will change slowly; but
we hold to the belief that judicious legislation will hasten
the process more powerfully than anything else."--_The "Times"
on Child-Marriage and Enforced Widowhood in India_.]

Yes, compassion is due to thee, India's young daughter;
The sound of thy sorrow, thy plaint of despair
Have reached English ears o'er the wide westward water,
And sympathy stirred, seldom slumbering there.

Child-Wife, or Child-Widow, in agony kneeling
And clasping the skirts of the armed Island Queen,
Her heart is not cold to thine urgent appealing;
Considerate care in her glances is seen.

Not hot as the urgings of zealotry heady
The action of her who's protectrice and guide.
Her stroke must be measured, her sympathy steady,
Whose burden's as great as her power is wide.

She stands, Ægis-armed, looked forth calm, reflective,