22 APRIL 1899, Page 16

VALE.

LIT= child that standest on the threshold Of the dark descent that leads—no man knows whither, Following in the footsteps of thy father, .

Where the footprints lead, thou walkest bravely, . Darker grow the shadows' steeper falls the pathway, Nearer looms the vast and shrouded portal.

• Ah, but. see ! the footprints turn, remounting, • Tiny feet, you, too, the golden sun is calling • r6 the flowers and grasses of the meadow. . • .

Wherefore dost thou halt as if uncertain?

What ! another voice, not father's and not mother's Who is this that speaks, "My child, come hither"?

• Whose the hand stretched out athwart the darkness • Whose the arm that clasps thee, strong, yet very gentle ? Whose the kiss upon the lips of silence B. PAUL NEUMAN.