De La Salle Fifth Reader Part 3

The first word of a DIRECT QUOTATION should begin with a capital.

The names of the DAYS and of the MONTHS should begin with capitals; but not the names of the seasons.

_7_

HYMN TO ST. LA SALLE.

Glorious Patron! low before thee Kneel thy sons, with hearts a-flame!

And our voices blend in music, Singing praises to thy name.

Saint John Baptist! glorious Patron!

Saint La Salle! we sound thy fame.

Lover of our Queen and Mother, At her feet didst vow thy heart, Earth, and all its joys, forsaking, Thou didst choose the better part.

Saint La Salle, our glorious Father, Pierce our souls with love's own dart.

Model of the Christian Teacher!

Patron of the Christian youth!

Lead us all to heights of glory, As we strive in earnest ruth.

Saint La Salle! oh, guard and guide us, As we spread afar the Truth!

In this life of sin and sorrow, Saint La Salle, oh, guide our way, In the hour of dark temptation, Father! be our spirit's stay!

Take our hand and lead us homeward, Saint La Salle, to Heaven's bright Day!

_Mercedes._

[Ill.u.s.tration: ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE.]

Founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, pointing out the way of salvation to the children of all nations.

"Christian Teachers are the sculptors of living angels, moulding and shaping the souls of youth for heaven." _Most Reverend Archbishop Keane, of Dubuque._

_8_

due mien fri'ar pri'or Pa'los por'ter con'vent pre'cious grat'i tude

COLUMBUS AT THE CONVENT.

Dreary and brown the night comes down, Gloomy, without a star.

On Palos town the night comes down; The day departs with stormy frown; The sad sea moans afar.

A convent gate is near; 'tis late; Tin-gling! the bell they ring.

They ring the bell, they ask for bread-- "Just for my child," the father said.

Kind hands the bread will bring.

White was his hair, his mien was fair, His look was calm and great.

The porter ran and called a friar; The friar made haste and told the prior; The prior came to the gate.

He took them in, he gave them food; The traveler's dreams he heard; And fast the midnight moments flew.

And fast the good man's wonder grew, And all his heart was stirred.

The child the while, with soft, sweet smile, Forgetful of all sorrow, Lay soundly sleeping in his bed.

The good man kissed him there, and said: "You leave us not to-morrow!

"I pray you, rest the convent's guest; This child shall be our own-- A precious care, while you prepare Your business with the court, and bear Your message to the throne."

And so his guest he comforted.

O wise, good prior! to you, Who cheered the stranger's darkest days, And helped him on his way, what praise And grat.i.tude are due!

_J.T. Trowbridge._

By permission of the author.

Where is Palos? What is it noted for?

Who was the "good man" spoken of in the poem?

In the line "The traveler's dreams he heard," who was the traveler?

Relate the story of his dreams. Why are they called dreams? Did the dreams become facts? In what way?

How did the monks of this convent a.s.sist Columbus?

How did the Queen of Spain a.s.sist him?

Why is it that in the geography of our country we meet with so many Catholic names?