BEHIND THE MASK.
Behind the mask—the smiling face
Is often full of woe,
And sorrow treads a restless pace
Where wealth and beauty go.
Behind the mask—who knows the care
That grim and silent rests,
And all the burdens each may bear
Within the secret breast?
Behind the mask—who knows the tears
That from the heart arise,
And in the weary flight of years
How many pass with sighs?
Behind the mask—who knows the strain
That each life may endure,
And all its grief and countless pain
That wealth can never cure?
Behind the mask—we never know
How many troubles hide,
And with the world and fashion show
Some spectre walks beside.
Behind the mask—some future day,
When all shall be made plain;
Our burdens then will pass away
And count for each his gain.
George Wetmore Colles, Jr.
The following is by one of the young writers of Morristown, written at Yale University and published in the Yale Courant of February, 1891: