TRUE NATURE OF HOME.
This is the true nature of home—it is the place of Peace; the shelter not only from all injury, but from all terror, doubt and division. In so far as it is not this, it is not home; so far as the anxieties of the outer life penetrate into it * * * it ceases to be home; it is then only a part of that outer world which you have roofed over and lighted fire in.
—John Ruskin.
901
THE WANDERER'S RETURN.
He seeks the tranquil scenes of early days,
Leaving the dazzling haunts of vain ambition;
And now, he longs to meet a kindly gaze
And hear a warm and cheering recognition.
How changed he seems! Though still in manhood's prime,
Long hath he striven with care, want, and danger;
Their iron grasp has wrought the work of Time,
And all who view him, deem him as a stranger.
He meets with one who knew him when a boy:
How oft, beneath yon trees, in summer weather,
They sat, and pictured scenes of future joy,
When they should tread the far-off world together!
They stand upon the old familiar spot:
One feels long vanished memories steal o'er him;
The other sees, yet recognizes not
His blithe companion in the form before him.
Next comes a friend who in his wavering youth
His footsteps had upheld with patient guiding;
Wise in his counsel, steadfast in his truth,
Prompt in his praise, and gracious in his chiding.