The Greatest Gift

/? The Greatest Gift I once beheld, or was it but a dream, The things of which I fain would speak? The beauty and the grandeur of the scene Dazed me, its glory made me weak; Have angels wrought the glory I behold? What is this light, as if 'twere fire? Then I, in answer to my thoughts, was told: The realms of Satisfied Desire. I gazed upon the restless, passing throng, And knew that none could enter there, But those whose hearts and souls had known no wrong. And many turned in black despair; But one, a maid in innocence of youth, Came near that. golden throne of grace; Her heart had known but beauty, love and truth; The gift of virtue lit her face. "Take these," said one, "the queen of wealth am I; Adorn in jewels, rich and rare; And grace thyself in silken robes, but why Withdraw? There ne'er was one more fair. With wealth thy ev'ry wish shall be a law, In beauty shine both far and near; Accept of these, the rarest gifts of all." The maid replied, "It is not here." "Take this," cried one, "the priceless gift of fame; Fair maid, canst thou desire aught more? Kingdoms and nations shall applaud thy name, Thy name recounted o'er and o'er, Come then, why wait? Give heed to fortune's call, 'Tis thine while life doth last, why fear? I give to you the grandest gift of all." i She turned and sighed, "It is not here." "Take these," again the solemn words were heard ; How turn from voice so filled with love? She waited now to hear the thrilling] words As if 'twere message from above; "Take these, if thou canst pay the noble price, Eternal joy thy lot shall be; But thou must learn to gladly sacrifice, And fill thine heart with charity." "But sorrow thou shalt know, ana sometimes pain; And poverty may seek thy door, But multitudes will rise to bless thy name, Great love be thine, forevermore." A wondrous light upon her face did shine, All doubt was gone, she understood; "I do accept with joy thy gift divine, The greatest gift; 'tis Motherhood." Cleveland, Utah Kate C. Richards