Michael Angelo has expressed in colors what Dante saw and has sung to the generations of the earth.
(Miserere) “In the Sistine Chapel,” from “The Improvisatore” (Translation by Mary Howitt),—Hans Christian Andersen.
Hans Christian Andersen, a renowned Danish poet and story writer, was born at Odense, April 2, 1805, and died August 4, 1875. He wrote: “The Poet’s Bazar,” “Only a Fiddler,” “The Picture Book Without Pictures,” “The Improvisatore,” and his celebrated “Wonder Tales” for children. Among his dramatic compositions are: “Raphaella,” “The Two Baronesses,” “The Flowers of Happiness,” etc.
Genius and its rewards are briefly told:
A liberal nature and a niggard doom,
A difficult journey to a splendid tomb.
“Dedication of the Life and Adventures of Oliver Goldsmith,”—John Forster.
John Forster, a noted English biographer and historical writer, was born in Newcastle-on-Tyne, April 2, 1812, and died in London, February 2, 1876. He wrote: “Life of Charles Dickens,” “Statesmen of the Commonwealth of England,” “Life of Oliver Goldsmith,” “Biographical and Historical Essays,” etc.
Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright,
The bridal of the earth and sky.
“Virtue,”—George Herbert.
George Herbert, a celebrated English poet, was born in Montgomery Castle, Montgomeryshire, April 3, 1593, and died at Bemerton, Wiltshire, in 1633. His most noted poems are: “Sweet Day, So Cool, So Calm, So Bright,” “Virtue,” “Life,” “Love,” “Discipline,” “Holy Baptism,” etc.
The almighty dollar, that great object of universal devotion throughout our land, seems to have no genuine devotees in these peculiar villages.