The Rainbow, in its beauty, like a smile of love was given.

'Twas a sweet and simple lesson, which the story told, I thought,
Not alone and single-handed our kindliest deeds are wrought;
Like the sunbeam and the raindrop, work together, while we may,
And the bow of Heaven's own promise shall smile upon our way.






A PLEA FOR SOFT WORDS.





STRANGE and subtle are the influences which affect the spirit and
touch the heart. Are there bodiless creatures around us, moulding
our thoughts into darkness or brightness, as they will? Whence,
otherwise, come the shadow and the sunshine, for which we can
discern no mortal agency?

Oftener, As we grow older, come the shadows; less frequently the,
sunshine. Ere I took up my pen, I was sitting with a pleasant
company of friends, listening to music, and speaking, with the rest,
light words.

Suddenly, I knew not why, my heart was wrapt away in an atmosphere