The distant cottage fires, and mark
The peaceful homes of men.

But such as upward lift their eye
Will see a worthier sight,
The myriad stars, that in the sky
Seem homes for angels bright.

Thus guided they pursue their way
Thro' loneliest heath and dell,
Till on their work of mercy, they
Come where their brethren dwell.

And such as she no earthly glow
Would e'er suffice for them,
Shine on her, 'mid these dwellings low,
Thou Star of Bethlehem!

The "Song of Elizabeth" from the _Saint's Tragedy_ was published during
the year 1859, and Bessie writes to Addison and Hollier to say that
instead of an engraving she will have the price-list of the Association
on the title-page. This remarkable decision they seem to have induced
her to abandon, for the title-page is of the ordinary kind. There were
at this time about a hundred and fifty blind persons deriving benefit
from the Association: sixty-three were supplied with work at their own
homes; forty-seven were employed at the Euston Road; the remainder were
pupils, agents, travellers, shopman, and superintendent, whilst three
received pensions. So many more were applying for work and instruction
that at the May meeting the Bishop of Oxford offered a donation of L20
on condition that nineteen similar donations were announced in a given
time. He thus raised L400 for the relief of some of the more pressing
cases amongst the applicants. The increase of workmen made an increase
in the sales necessary, and the trade of the Association was assuming
formidable dimensions. The buying and selling, the control of workrooms
and management of stock, the care of ledgers, accounts, bills and
receipts, might now with great advantage have been made over to a
competent and adequately paid sighted manager. Such an arrangement would
have left Bessie free to devote herself to the charitable part of her
enterprise; to elevate and educate the blind, to investigate cases, and
make experiment with trades. With Levy as her faithful coadjutor how
much might she not have done!

She was pledged, however, to a more ambitious attempt, and felt herself
bound in honour to show what the blind can do alone and unaided. A
proposal was made in January 1859 to employ a "sighted" accountant, but
as this was opposed by Bessie it was not carried. And yet at this very
time the incessant and anxious work of past years was begi