The Story of Willow Brook 73 



they can always find their reflection in my 

 bosom. I teach the lesson of industry, for I 

 am never idle. I turn the mill that feeds the 

 world. I water the meadow, enrich the bar- 

 ren places of earth. I lave and feed the roots 

 of plants and trees and make my world fresh 

 and glad. 



" I never go backward as men often do, 

 but my motto is always onward, towards 

 deeper and broader things. I am always 

 stronger to-day than I was yesterday. 



" I am not afraid of being lost or forgot- 

 ten, even though I mingle with larger streams 

 and am seemingly lost. My water drops are 

 still there doing their little part. Even 

 though I at last mingle with the great ocean, 

 with the current of a thousand streams, yet 

 will I return to the cloud, and sing through 

 the meadow again. Again will the cowslip 

 and the lily open their hearts at my touch and 

 the meadow be glad at my coming. 



" I cannot linger for longer even under this 

 rustic old bridge, where the willow and the 

 alder greet me and all whisper for me to stay, 



