But Discontent, though called a fiend,
Is progress in disguise,
'Tis _this_ by which our end's attained,
'Tis _this_ by which we rise.

The pupil may surpass the sage
If such his aim shall be,
May fathom truths for many an age
Were wrapped mystery.

The genius may invent some plan
To ease the laborer's toil,
Or add facility for man
To cultivate the soil.

Contentment never did aspire
To elevate mankind,
It never raised the standard higher
Of science or of mind.

'Tis Discontent that gains the prize
In every useful art;
Although it brings us tearful eyes
And restlessness of heart;

But then it has a sweet reward--
Progression is the fruit,
But some this sweetness have abhorred
For others have the boot.

For he who blesses most mankind,
Himself is seldom blessed,
And he whose deeds should be enshrined
Will seldom be caressed.

Yet, let our banner ne'er be furled,
Our lives in quiet spent;
For 'tis a truth that all the world
Still thrives on Discontent.

OUR POLITICS.

"The purification of politics is an iridescent dream."
U. S. Senator, John J. Ingalls, Kansas.

"Purification of politics
Is an iridescent dream,"
Is the Ingalls way of saying that
Corruption's power's supreme.

Have the people lost their honesty,
Has the Nation sunk so low,
That partisan strife can blind our eyes
Till we know not friend from foe?

If such be true, this fair land of ours
Must fail to mature the Hope
That blossomed fair on Liberty's tree,
But in impotence must grope.

Beautiful land! God's own favored land!
Thy sons must united be,
Statesmen should now hold the public helm,
Throw factions into the sea,

Teach politicians with all their schemes,
The people yet are supreme;
That Augean stables--politics--
May be cleansed by ballot's streams.

SUNSET.

Softly the tints of expiring day
Tinge th' vaults of Hesperian heaven,
Leaving a trace of the sun's mellow ray
To escort the shadows of even.

All of the gates of Phoebus are drawn,
Yet his splendor has left to sight
A trail of enchantment to linger till dawn,
To charm the still hours of the night.

Scenes of such cloud-land often reveal