Life and Literature Part 144

2004

Golden roofs break men's rest.

--_Seneca._

2005

Much on earth, little in heaven.

--_Spanish._

2006

Ability is the poor man's wealth.

--_Matthew Wren._

2007

Many a lout is wealthy, and a clever man, hard put to.

--_Spanish._

2008

It is some relief to weep; grief is satisfied and carried off by tears.

--_Ovid._

2009

To say you are welcome, would be superfluous.

--_Shakespeare._

2010

A warm welcome after all, is the best cheer.

2011

Who comes seldom is welcome.

--_Italian._

2012

You're as welcome as the flowers in May.

2013

Dig a well before you are thirsty. (Be prepared against contingencies.)

--_Chinese._

2014

A RECOMMENDATION.

The following verses were sent to a graduate of Wheaton Seminary of the cla.s.s of 1866 by John G. Whittier, on the receipt of two pairs of long stockings, which the young woman had knit. She was a frequent visitor in the Whittier home, and often a.s.sisted in the entertainment of guests of honor. Mr. Whittier regarded the verses as doggerel, and expressed his intention of writing something worth while for his youthful admirer. But the poem reveals a humorous side of his character, differing from what one finds in his published poetry, and it is probable that neither Mr.

Whittier nor his young friend, who died in her early womanhood, would have objected to the publication of the verses.

--_Editors of Youth's Companion._

My neighbor Acres said to me, "I lead a lonesome life.

There's something lacking all the time, I think I need a wife.

"I'm weary of my empty rooms And stockings never mended.

If you could think of some nice girl I'd feel myself befriended."

I sat and pondered for a s.p.a.ce, And then I spake up gaily: "You just go down the Ferry road And ask for Mary Bailey.

"She's bright as is a new-made cent And smart as any steel trap; I tell you gra.s.s will never grow Beneath her restless heel-tap.

"A wiser little head than hers Was never found a hat in; She reads a thousand books a year, And talks in Dutch and Latin.

"She always has a stylish dress, And dainty slippered feet, She's money in the savings-bank Her every want to meet."

He sadly mused, "That sort of thing Will never do, you see.

A wife that's all accomplishments Is not the wife for me."

A lucky thought was mine. I kicked Right off my old brogan, And pulled my trousers to the knee.

"Look here, you foolish man!

"These stockings by her hands were knit."

"Why, sakes alive," cried he.

"The modern girl who knits like that Is just the girl for me."