SIXTH YEAR I. IF I WERE A VOICE I. If I were a voice—a persuasive voice- And tell them to be true. I'd fly, I'd fly o'er land and sea, Telling a tale, or singing a song, In praise of the right-in blame of the wrong. 2. If I were a voice-a consoling voice- The homes of sorrow and guilt I'd seek, I'd fly, I'd fly o'er the crowded town, Into the hearts of suffering men, And teach them to rejoice again. 3. If I were a voice — a pervading voice I'd seek the kings of earth; I'd find them alone on their beds at night, And whisper words that should guide them right Lessons of priceless worth. I'd fly more swift than the swiftest bird, 4. If I were a voice- an immortal voice- I'd make their error clear. I'd fly, I'd fly on the wings of day, If I were a voice- an immortal voice CHARLES MACKAY. Every duty we omit obscures some truth we should have known. -JOHN RUSKIN. II. THE ARAB AND HIS HORSE 1. A caravan on its way from Damascus to Acre was once attacked by a tribe of Arabs. The robbers were successful; their victory was complete; the booty ample and rich. 2. But while engaged in dividing their spoils the Arabs in their turn were interrupted by a body of Turkish troops that had been sent out from Acre for the protection of the caravan. 3. The tide of fortune was now changed. The Arabs were overpowered. Many were slain, and the rest made prisoners. The prisoners were securely tied by cords, and conducted to Acre for punishment. 4. Among the Arabs was a man named Abou, who was the owner of a horse of great beauty and value. Abou was wounded by a bullet in his arm during the combat. The wound was not mortal; he was therefore placed by the Turks on the back of a camel, and led off with the other prisoners. The conquerors took possession of the horse. 5. The evening before they were to enter Acre the whole party encamped in the mountains. The feet of the wounded Arab were bound together by a leather thong; and he lay stretched near the tent where the Turks were sleeping. |