ings! The very sun-light is
disagreeable, the very skies a mockery; the very roses unlovely. We look
out of the casement, and see the external face of nature still the same;
how heartless, how destitute of sympathy, now appears the whole world
without, with the home, that inner world! How can those birds sing so
sweetly on the branches; how can the flowers bloom as brightly as ever;
how can those children play so gleefully; how can yon group laugh with
such unconcern! He is an only son. Though wan, and wasted in all his
lineaments, his pure brow, his gentle expression, tell that he was worthy
to be loved. Can no human power restore him to the arms of a fond mother?
It is in vain! The spirit flutters upon his lips; it has departed. But it
has left behind it a token; a clear, bright impress; a smile of
undissembled love and purity; an expression beaming with the last
unutterable peace; the graces which were so winning upon earth, but which
shall attain their perfection in heaven.

FREEDOM'S BEACON.

'To-day, to-day it speaks to us! Its future auditories will be the
generations of men, as they rise up before it and gather round it'

WEBSTER.

'To-day it speaks to us!'
Of 'the times that tried men's souls,'
When hostile ships rode where yon bay
Its deep blue waters rolls:
When the war-cloud dark was lowering
Portentous o'er the land;
When the vassal troops of Britain came
With bayonet, sword and brand.

'To-day it speaks to us!'
Of brave deeds nobly done,
When patriot hearts beat high with hope,
Ere Freedom's cause was won:
Of the conflict fierce, where fell
New-England's valiant men,
Who waved their country's banner high,
Though warm blood dyed it then!

And will its voice be still
When the thousands of to-day,
Who have come like pilgrim-worshippers,
From earth shall pass away?
Oh no! 'the potent orator'
To future times shall tell
Where PRESCOTT, BROOKS, and PUTNAM fought,
Where gallant WARREN fell.

'Twill speak of these, and others--
Of brave men, born and nurst
In stormy times, on Danger's lap.
Who dared Oppression's worst:
Of Vernon's chief, and he who came
Across the Atlantic flood,
To offer to the patriot's GOD
A sacrifice of blood.

Long as the 'Bay State' cherishes
One thought of sainted sires,
Long as the day-go