184 LITERARY PILGRIMAGES 



within a stone's throw, as a mother waits within 

 sound of her children. Where once the rough oak 

 timbers stood squarely upon their field-stone 

 foundations century-old graves stretch restfully 

 side by side, and gray lichens cling so close to 

 the blue slate of headstones that the twain become 

 one, and the very names of the sleepers beneath 

 are hidden and forgotten. Shoulder to shoulder 

 these old stones stand and lean f riendlily one on 

 another, as brothers to whom the kindly elder 

 years have brought surcease of all differences. 

 The early settlers were bold in their beliefs and 

 battled sturdily for them while it was time to fight. 

 The ancient records and traditions will tell you of 

 stern warfare waged between man and man and 

 clan and clan. Then, the battles well fought, they 

 laid themselves down side by side in a forgiving 

 neighborliness that is the most lasting inscription 

 on the plain stones that mark their rest. Peace is 

 most secure between those who have fought best, 

 and the Memorial Day spirit is no mere growth 

 of our later years. It was born in the scheme of 

 all good, just as battles were. 



Nature voices for us only kindly memories. 



