And mutter no strains of contention or strife,

Neither burden the hours with the pangs of endeavor,

When we, with our deeds, make the most of this life.

"THE SONGS THAT MOTHER USED TO SING."

The songs that mother used to sing!

How tenderly those ditties roll,

And to the dirges in my soul

The happy notes of gladness bring!

Where'er my vagrant feet may roam

From pleasures of my childhood's home,