Teach me, Father, how to be Kind and patient as a tree.

Joyfully the crickets croon Under shady oak at noon; Beetle, on his mission bent, Tarries in that cooling tent.

Let me, also, cheer a spot, Hidden field or garden grot-- Place where pa.s.sing souls can rest On the way and be their best.

EDWIN MARKHAM

THE PHILOSOPHER'S GARDEN

"_See this my garden, Large and fair!_"

--Thus, to his friend, The Philosopher.

"_'Tis not too long_,"

His friend replied, With truth exact,-- "_Nor yet too wide.

But well compact, If somewhat cramped On every side._"

Quick the reply-- "_But see how high!-- It reaches up To G.o.d's blue sky!_"

JOHN OXENHAM