Tom then read through a mist of tears—
"P. S. I know the whole story. Dear young friend, 'Be not weary in well-doing.'"
| WHAT COUNTS. |
| Did you tackle the trouble that came your way, With a resolute heart and cheerful, Or hide your face from the light of day With a craven face and fearful. O, a trouble's a ton, or a trouble's an ounce. A trouble is what you make it. It isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts, But only, HOW DID YOU TAKE IT? You are beaten to the earth? Well, what of that? Come up with a smiling face. It's nothing against you to fall down flat; But to LIE THERE—that's disgrace. The harder you're thrown, the higher you'll bounce, Be proud of your blackened eye. It isn't the fact that you're licked that counts, But, HOW did you fight, and WHY? And though you be down to death, what then? If you battled the best that you could, If you played your part in the world of men, The Critic will call it good. Death comes with a crawl, or comes with a pounce, And whether he's slow or spry, It isn't the fact that you're DEAD that counts, But only HOW DID YOU DIE? |
| —Cooke. |
The Premium.
"I think I am sure of one premium at least," said Edward, as he placed himself upon the form among his school-fellows.
It was examination day, and many a young heart was beating quick with the hope of approbation and reward, or with the fear of disgrace. Some had looked forward to this day, and applied to their tasks, knowing how carefully they should be examined, and commended or punished according to their deservings. Others had chosen to forget that such a day must come, and idled away the time which they would now have given a great deal to have at their disposal again.
In the center of the schoolroom was placed a long table, covered with books of various sizes and of different value. There were Bibles and Testaments, both large and small, the histories of Rome, of Greece, and of England. There were volumes elegantly bound and pamphlets just stitched together. The school was extensive, and it was wished that every one who had exerted himself to the best of his ability, however little that might be, should carry home with him some mark of encouragement, to remind him that diligence and perseverance were not overlooked.