His mind to rose thoughts turned in dreamy way,— From untrained blossoms, blooming in the bowers, Whose simple petals fade within a day, Have been developed grander, sweeter flowers.
The jacqueminot and all her sisters fair, Now clothed in colors bright and staying late, Because of culture and a proper care Have found a place within the garden gate.
So too with life; the untrained children we Whose innocence shall fade within the hours,— With thoughts, like petals, simple, pure, and free,— And minds to be developed like the flowers.
If rightly clothed, according to God’s plan, We soon discover, ere it is too late, That cultivation makes the grander man Who finds a place within the Heavenly gate.
The dreamer woke; his roses, once so bright, Had drooped and faded in the heat of day; His rose thoughts had unfolded to the light To bless and help him all along life’s way.
SEEKING AND STRIVING.
The soul that seeks for Heavenly things, And mounts above on tireless wings, Shall find them by and by; The soul that strives to conquer wrong, And sings a happy trustful song, Shall live and never die.