A LESSON FROM NATURE.
"In honor preferring one another."
I TOOK a walk on a bright spring day
(Such as Eden must have known),
And myriad voices reached my ear,
Though I seemed to be alone.
"How brilliant the Maple blossoms are,"
Said the Oak so grim and gray.
The Maple admired the century Oak,
On the hill a mile away.
The sweet Wild Pear looked across the field
To the Spruce and Pine's dark room,
And said, "They are always fresh and green;
My beauty's but leafless bloom."
The Evergreens did not swell with pride;
No, they sighed and bowed to say,
"See how white and pure the Wild Pear looks!
What fragrance she sends this way!"
The Moss in the nook admired the Elm,
That far toward heaven could go.
The Elm felt, "The Moss is a beautiful child,
Though it live in a home so low."
Just then all joined in a chorus sweet—
(What matter who led the van?)
"Though we cannot be what others are,
Let each do the best he can.
"For this we know, whether high or low,
In foreground, or distance dim,
If we fill our place with modest grace—
Our Maker—it will please him."
MARY MARTIN.