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d her down to rest. This gave a charm to the picture Of especial power to me, And my vision saw a painting That none else on earth could see. I can close my eyes at twilight Though now many miles away, And see that lovely horizon At close of expiring day. I can see the true formation Of each rock and tree and field, In a perfect panorama That time has not yet concealed. It is not an idle fancy For me now to paint the scene, Since my mother's form has faded From the place where she has been. I know it affords me comfort To recall from day to day, That scene from the farm-house window, Since my mother passed away. MY ROOM IN BOYHOOD'S DAYS. After forty years. Sacred these walls wherein I find Myself inclosed once more; Here in youth's pride my ardent mind On nightly tasks would pore. Sweet were these tasks, for mental power Comes with each duty done; And ray of light charmed midnight's hour When thought its victory won. Oft did the battle seem severe, Sometimes defeat seemed nigh, But pride and love must persevere When all our powers we try. Struggles bring a development That will not brook defeat; Within us dwells an element That makes just contest sweet. If barriers in our mental path Stand like a sullen foe, Summon the soul, in righteous wrath Strike a decisive blow, And spare not till the victory Puts ignorance to flight; And let the battle-cry e'er be Science and Truth and Right! Such victories, when fairly won, Put slaughter's field to shame, And Honor's self shall place upon Such victors, wreaths of fame. O happy hours within these walls, But happier far to me Is the expanded mind which calls Deep thought, best liberty. That mental power which sees the world As beauty, grace, and art, Wherein God's loveliness unfurled, Speaks to a living heart, And leads it tenderly to see The harmony of laws Which unifies immensity, And tells of the First Cause, Yields greater solace, richer lore, Than books alone can give; For mind and soul form the great power By which we act and live. The wealth that dignifies mankind Is not in
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