Library of the best American literature / Containing the lives of our authors in story form, their portraits, their homes, and their personal traits, how they worked and what they wrote; choice selections from eminent writers, embracing great American poets and novelists, foremost women in American letters, distinguished critics and essayists, our national humorists, noted journalists and magazine contributors, popular writers for young people, great orators and public lecturers

by Unknown

MY MOTHER’S PICTURE.

(FROM “IN THE GARDEN OF DREAMS.”)

OW shall I here her placid picture paint

With touch that shall be delicate, yet sure?

Soft hair above a brow so high and pure

Years have not soiled it with an earthly taint,

Needing no aureole to prove her saint;

Firm mind that no temptation could allure;

Soul strong to do, heart stronger to endure;