Metamorphosis

GEORGE M. OTTINGER 149

of America, in Philadelphia, for instance, which was his boy- hood home, he undoubtedly would have achieved a national reputation. He set himself to great tasks which under the con- ditions in which he labored were well-nigh impossible of fulfil- ment. But the bigness of his mind, the scholar, was shown in everything he did, and there are failures which are as admir- able as successes. Especially would he have been a splendid marine painter. The late artist was born in February, 1833, and conse- quently in a few more months would have reached the age of eighty-five years. Peace to his ashes! No more together shall we look on the mountain peak, the rugged defile, the sleeping lake, the roaring torrent, the shadowy pine-wood, the glories of the western skies. No more shall we talk of the miracles of art ; "I take not so much interest in these." No, again, No! The soul is free, there is illimitable space, wide are the courses of the stars. And then, more than all, the progress, the development of the endless being! Hail and farewell.

Metamorphosis

(A Christmas Poem) The shepherd no longer keeps watch on the hill, 'Tis woman, now, cares for the sheep, Or left all unguarded, they wander at will, When none there are vigil to keep; For out in the trenches in cold and in mire, His staff changed to musket or sword, The shepherd keeps watch for the enemies' fire, To charge on a menacing horde.

As stalwart of purpose as when overhead The Star led his fathers along, To moans of the wounded, 'mid uncoffined dead, He battles to dethrone the wrong. Too long has the wolf entered into the fold, And stealthily robbed it of peace; Too long has the flock felt those fangs ages old; His seditious power must cease!

The shepherd no longer keeps watch on the hill, He serves Him his forefathers sought, As out in the trenches he strives with a will For the cause in which Right has e'er fought, That the notes of the heavenly anthem may ring, For evermore mankind to bless, Till peace on the earth and good will shall bring The gloria in excelcis! —Grace Ingles Frost.