The Test of Life: A Poem

366 IMPROVEMENT ERA. could become like his father if he would face the evil with an in- vincible determination to succeed; and she longed for him to renew faith in himself, and brmg to her sad home a great Christmas blessing. Henry was sure he knew the burden of his mother's thoughts. He silently drew his arm from hers and walked slowly to the oppo- site side of the grave. He saw Dick wiping the fresh tears from his cheek, and Mack gazing thoughtfully at the lifeless mound; he saw his mother and sister standing arm in arm,—sad, alone, as though deprived of his strength to sustain them; he saw, thrown clearly on the grave by the bright Christmas sunshine, his own shadow—the shadow of a stalwart man! Had he, then, merely the appearance of strong manhood? Was there not, somewhere within that manly form, a power equal to the present burden? He walked back to his mother and sister. Then, as though answering the thoughts of his mother, he took their hands in his, and said, with a determination they could not doubt, —with an earnestness which gave them, even in this sorrowful moment, a joy they had net felt in many long, long months, —in words, calm, but rising from a power he had never known, — "Rachel, mother:—I can;—I will!" [the end,] Pocatello, Idaho.

' THE TEST OF LIFE. (For the Improvement Era.) 'Tis easy to die like a hero, when the blood is at fever heat, Quickened to lust of battle by bugle and marching feet. We honor the martial enlistment, when glory calleth to strife; A heroic deed is applauded, but 'tis not the test of life. But to heed the heart's low voice, though the spirit of pleasure be rife, And to siand, if needs be, alone, is a surer test of life. And to fulfill a humble mission, ever true to duty's call, Doing each day one's very best, is the truest test of all. Maud Baggarley. Waterloo, Utah.