Consolation

—

34 IMPROVEMENT ERA

the wives, the sisters, who buckle on their armor and send them forth. Winning for their country a world-renown, and for op- pressed humanity a larger liberty, we feel that they will realize, in some degree, the American ideal of world-peace. Isaiah's prophetic vision of a realm in which violence shall no more be heard, nor wasting and destruction within its borders; wherein the high tides of passion shall never beat, the storms of anger shall forget to rage, and the tempests caused by human injustice shall cease forevermore; a land whose sun of liberty shall no more go down, nor the moon of beauty withdraw itself; whose God shall be unto it an everlasting light, and the days of its — mourning be ended this, I believe is the true American ideal, the ultimate aim of all just government.

Consolation

The same dear sun, the same blue sky, The same blithe birds that sing on high, The same sweet glow and rosy beam, The same pure streams that glide and gleam, Yet, from my heart comes pensive sigh "Ah, not the same glad, fearless I!"

For yesterday my joy was free As any bird upon the tree, And Peace no tempter could assail Did through my every hour prevail, Till Sorrow came with cruel dart And robbed the song and left the smart. How soon till anguish fall asleep? My simple heart doth weep and weep! The same bright sun, the same fair sky, The same dear love that smiles on high! And O, 'tis merciful, benign! So gentle, gracious and divine, I know 'twill soothe each grieving pain And make me strong and glad again! For I have heard the holy call Most pure and beautiful of all! A mild, imploring spirit-voice That bade my weeping heart rejoice! And I can trust His loving care, Who came our every grief to share. O may I hearken, undismayed, "Lo, it is I, be not afraid." Minnie Iverson Hodapp.