COLUMBUS This poem pictures courage and high resolution. To the terrors of an unknown sea and the mutinous dismay of the sailors Columbus has but two things to oppose-his faith and his unflinching will. But these suffice, as they always do. In the last four lines of the poem is a lesson for our nation to-day. The seas upon which our ideals have launched us are perilous and uncharted. In some ways our whole voyage of democracy seems futile. Shall we turn back, or shall we, like Columbus, answer the falterers in words that leap like a leaping sword: "Sail on, sail on"? BEHIND him lay the gray Azores, Behind the Gates of Hercules; The good mate said: "Now must we pray, Brave Adm'r'l, speak; what shall I say?" "My men grow mutinous day by day; They sailed and sailed, as winds might blow, "Why, now not even God would know Should I and all my men fall dead. They sailed. They sailed. Then spake the mate: "This mad sea shows his teeth to-night. He curls his lip, he lies in wait, Then, pale and worn, he kept his deck, It grew to be Time's burst of dawn. From "Joaquin Miller's Complete Poems," Joaquin Miller. PER ASPERA A motto has been made of the Latin phrase "per aspera ad astra," of which the translation sometimes given is "through bolts and bars to the stars." TH HANK God, a man can grow! With earthward gaze to creep along the ground: Thank God, a man can grow! The fire upon his altars may burn dim, The torch he lighted may in darkness fail, Yet high beyond his dull horizon's rim, Florence Earle Coates. From "Poems," TIT FOR TAT We are quick to notice obstacles, grudges, affronts. Are we equally quick to recognize the kindly influences that speed us on our way? The truth is we are each of us a debtor to life, and as honest men we should do all we can to discharge the obligation. "LIFE," you say, "'s an old curmudgeon; yes, a thing whose heart is flint; When I ask a friendly greeting, all I get's an angry glint. Let me do it every good turn that I can-my very best, Still it strikes me, trips, maligns me, and denies my least request. "So," you say, "my patience ended, I will give it tit for tat." What a bunch of animosities is covered by your hat! soul, But you close your eyes to roses and in thorns lie down and roll. Life does nothing for you, sonny? What a notion you have! Say, Make a little inventory of its gifts to you to-day. You've a house or room to sleep in-did you build it with your hand? If you did, who made the hammer and who cleared for you the land? And electric lights-you use them; did you also put them there? Beefsteak, coal, your mail, shoes, street cars-do they come like rain from air? Or do countless men, far-scattered, toil that you may Stokers, hodmen, farmers, plumbers, Yankees, dagoes, "Oh, that's general," you tell me. blessings too. You have private Why, your mother in your childhood slaved and wrought and lived for you. Helpful hands were all around you-hopes, fond wishes in the past; Even now each day from somewhere friendly looks are on you cast. Though you've been both crossed and harried, you've not struggled on alone; Through the discords of endeavor comes to you an answering tone. Life has done you many favors. Will you give it tit for tat? Since you've looked so much at this side, won't you have a look at that? Don't help only those who've helped you, count the rest as strangers, foes; How long now would you have lasted had all done as you propose? Many and many a benefactor you did not nor can repayThere's your mother. Pass the kindness on to othersthat's the way. Life it is that's given freely. Unto life make due return. Whether folks are undeserving, neither seek nor wish to learn. Hit your dernedest for your teammates every time you come to bat, And the world will be more happy that you give it tit for tat. St. Clair Adams. THE KINGDOM OF MAN The wisest men know that the greatest world is not outside them. They could, in Shakespeare's phrase, be bounded by a nutshell and count themselves kings of infinite space. WHAT of the outer drear, As long as there's inner light; As long as the sun of cheer |