The proportion of intelligent
observers will be greater than on like occasions heretofore. So will,
perhaps, be that of solid matter for study, although in some specialties
there may be default. He who enters with the design of self-education
will find the text-books in most branches abundant, wide open before him
and printed in the clearest characters. What shortcomings there may have
been in the selection and arrangement of them he will have, if he can,
himself to remedy. There stands the school, founded and furnished with
great labor. The would-be scholar can only be invited to use it. The
centennial that is to turn out scholars ready-made has not yet rolled
round.
DOLORES.
A light at her feet and a light at her head,
How fast asleep my Dolores lies!
Awaken, my love, for to-morrow we wed--
Uplift the lids of thy beautiful eyes.
Too soon art thou clad in white, my spouse:
Who placed that garland above thy heart
Which shall wreathe to-morrow thy bridal brows?
How quiet and mute and strange thou art!
And hearest thou not my voice that speaks?
And feelest thou not my hot tears flow
As I kiss thine eyes and thy lips and thy cheeks?
Do they not warm thee, my bride of snow?
Thou knowest no grief, though thy love may weep.
A phantom smile, with a faint, wan beam,
Is fixed on thy features sealed in sleep:
Oh tell me the secret bliss of thy dream.
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