October 10

“Do not cheat thy heart and tell her
‘Grief will pass away,
Hope for fairer times in future,
And forget to-day.’
Tell her if you will that sorrow
Need not come in vain;
Tell her that the lesson taught her
Far outweighs the pain.

“Cheat her not with the old comfort
‘Soon she will forget.’
Bitter truth, alas, - but matter
Rather for regret;
Bid her not ‘Seek other pleasures,
Turn to other things’;
Rather nurse her caged sorrow
Till the captive sings.

“Rather bid her go forth bravely,
And the stranger greet;
Not as foe with spear and buckler,
But as dear friends meet;
Bid her with a strong clasp hold her
By her dusky wings,
Listening for the murmured blessing
Sorrow always brings.”

A. A. PROCTER